AMA's Vice President of Science, Medicine and Public Health, Andrea Garcia, JD, MPH, discusses the recent uptick in COVID cases and hospitalizations, what we've learned about new variants EG.5, or Eris, and the highly mutated BA.2.86, or Pirola, variant. She also reviews changes in this year's flu vaccine guidelines and just how concerned we need to be about locally acquired malaria in response to a recent CDC Health Alert. American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger hosts.

? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Risk Assessment Summary for SARS CoV-2 Sublineage BA.2.86: https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/whats-new/covid-19-variant.html

? Updates to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Flu Vaccine Recommendations for 2023-2024 season: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/faq-flu-season-2023-2024.htm

?Find out where to get a flu shot in your area: https://getmyflushot.org/

? #PSA: Getting an annual flu shot is the best way to reduce your risk of getting sick. Preventing the spread of influenza and keeping your vaccinations up-to-date help protect you and your loved ones during the holiday season.

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