Media Contacts: Kathy Fackelmann, kfackelmann
gwu [dot] edu (kfackelmann[at]gwu[dot]edu); Cate Douglass, cdouglassgwu [dot] edu
WASHINGTON (Jan. 3, 2024)— Respiratory viral illnesses such as flu, Covid-19 and respiratory syncytial virus are on the rise in the United States, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Experts say a surge in such illnesses is to be expected in the winter but cases may keep going up fueled by the recent holiday travel season.
The George Washington University has experts available to discuss the importance of preventive measures such as vaccines and masking, who’s at risk and what to know about treatment for those who do get sick.
Amanda Castel, is a professor of epidemiology at the GW Milken Institute School of Public Health and an expert in infectious diseases. She can talk about the rise in cases this season, vaccines and other preventive measures. She has served as an Epidemic Intelligence Service officer for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, spent over a decade working with local and state health departments and is board certified in pediatrics and preventive medicine and public health.
Michael Knight, an assistant professor of medicine at GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences, can discuss how Blacks are at greater risk of respiratory infections including flu, RSV and COVID-19. He can also talk about vaccine uptake and how families can stay healthy this winter season.
Maria Elena Ruiz is an associate professor of medicine and an infectious disease expert at the GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences. She can discuss RSV, flu, and Covid transmission and protection. She is fluent in Spanish, Portuguese or English.
Emily R. Smith, an assistant professor of global health at the GW Milken Institute School of Public Health, is an epidemiologist who has studied COVID-19 and pregnancy. She can discuss who is at risk for COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses and the importance of vaccines.
Adriana Glenn, assistant professor of nursing, has almost 30 years of experience as a family nurse practitioner. Her expertise includes addressing issues regarding culture and health. Glenn maintains her clinical practice as a nurse practitioner for the Virginia Department of Health, City of Alexandria. Her previous clinical experiences include providing health care in educational settings (K-12 public schools, higher education institutions) and working in a variety of community and public health environments including urgent care, occupational/employee health, community clinics and public health departments and clinics. Glenn can discuss the preventative measures people can take this winter to stay healthy as well as what to do when feeling sick.
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