1200w,https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2022/10/13/gettyimages-14326371651_wide-f9034a8a770aa0ad241ea5d060c8ac46e752829c-s1600-c85.jpg 1600w,https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2022/10/13/gettyimages-14326371651_wide-f9034a8a770aa0ad241ea5d060c8ac46e752829c-s1800-c85.jpg 1800w" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" type="image/jpeg"/>

White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha has urged all Americans to take the new COVID-19 Bivalent vaccine booster. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images hide caption

toggle caption
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha has urged all Americans to take the new COVID-19 Bivalent vaccine booster.

Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Public health officials are warning of a possible surge in COVID cases this winter. How bad it could get depends on how many people take the right precautions, according to Dr. Ashish Jha. We talk to the White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator about bracing for the next potential wave.

Even if a COVID surge doesn't happen, there are plenty of respiratory ailments making a comeback, especially in children. Dr. Ibukun Kalu of Duke Children's Hospital in Durham, North Carolina explains why viruses like RSV are already swamping hospitals with sick kids.

In participating regions, you'll also hear a local news segment to help you make sense of what's going on in your community.

Email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

This episode was produced by Gabe O'Connor and Erika Ryan. It was edited by Ashley Brown, Christopher Intagliata, and Patrick Jarenwattananon. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.

Northern California
Public Media Newsletter

Get the latest updates on programs and events.