'Remember what we learned during pandemic': Dr Jennifer Ashton discusses rise in respiratory illnesses

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: The January 2 episode of 'Good Morning America' had ABC News' Chief Medical Correspondent Dr Jennifer Ashton join the co-hosts to talk about the cover story.

"Respiratory diseases are on the rise around the country," began co-host George Stephanopoulos. "31 states and Washington DC are experiencing high or very high levels of activity… Seems like every family we know has been hit."

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Dr Ashton says virus rates go up in January 'most years'

Dr Ashton said that though the influence of the outbreak cannot be accurately predicted, the data from the last couple of years would be of some help.

"We know that during the holiday season, the data is limited coming into the CDC. So we expect, after travel, after people get together, and after the data input catches up, we expect to see all three major viruses - RSV, Covid, and influenza - [infection] rates go up in January, as they do most years," she explained.

"That should not be a surprise to anyone," she added.

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Which individuals are at high risk of being affected by the virus?

"For all [the various infections], most at risk are the people who are not vaccinated," stated Dr Ashton.

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"But then there are other risk categories," she mentioned, which included infants and children under the age of 5 years, pregnant women, adults who are over 65 years of age, and anyone with a "compromised immune system with an underlying respiratory illness."

She further pointed out, "We also have to remember that all three of these viruses - they present with similar symptoms, and they can be unpredictable. So we probably all know a person who does not fit into those categories, who was current and up to date with their vaccinations and boosting, (and yet) got pretty sick.."

What are the precautions that one can take against respiratory illnesses?

"I think what's very important is (that) if you are eligible for vaccination, or boosting, get those vaccines," stressed Dr Ashton.

"This is the first season that we do have FDA-approved vaccines for all three of these major viruses," she shared.

The correspondent also highlighted the importance of washing hands, getting tested after falling sick, and wearing masks for public safety.

"We have to remember the things we learned during the pandemic. They are tried and true, we know they helped. We need to be able to lean on them if the rates in our area (goes up), or if (we) are particularly vulnerable and concerned. They work," she concluded.

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