January 18, 2024- Throughout respiratory season, Cardinal Health has been tracking and discussing impacts to multiple diagnostic products, including tests for Flu A&B, RSV, COVID-19 and Strep A. According to Cardinal Health, it is crucial that everyone continues to learn about the ongoing changes surrounding these dangerous and sometimes deadly diseases such as RSV, COVID-19, and the flu. It’s important to remember that vaccination is one part of a very critical public health and personal health strategy for risk reduction, especially for the elderly and others who are immunocompromised.
The 2023-24 landscape is already different from last year, with new vaccines and treatments such as the RSV vaccine. The healthcare industry has also learned some valuable lessons for future public health management.
It is also very important to follow all preventive measures including hand hygiene, staying home when sick with possible isolation, masking when appropriate (e.g., when you know or suspect you are sick with flu, COVID-19, RSV or other respiratory illnesses), physical distancing and cough/sneeze etiquette.