RSV and Influenza Update

We continue to see endemic levels of RSV. Our percentages have been running over 30% for the past few weeks. We are also seeing quite a bit of Influenza (both A and B this year are going strong). Our Influenza numbers are greater than they were last year at this time and our Influenza B is especially high. This is important when considering antiviral administration as the older antivirals (Amantadine and Rimantidine) do not cover Influenza B. Of course the vaccine has both A and B components and we will know a bit later in the season about the effectiveness of this year's vaccine selection.

Respiratory Viruses in Southern California

We can safely say that respiratory viral season is underway. RSV has been in full force since the second week in December and Influenza isolated in considerable numbers since New Years. Interestingly, we are seeing more influenza B than we have previous seasons. Adenovirus and Parainfluenza are still being isolated, but at much lower numbers than in the Fall.