As many look forward to gathering with friends and family for the holiday season, an early and difficult respiratory illness season puts another strain on our health care system. Influenza A and B, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and other seasonal illnesses are spiking at record rates, and some cases of COVID-19 are still leading to hospitalizations.
These seasonal illnesses are peaking sooner, faster, and stronger than usual, and all in conjunction, putting an intense strain on emergency departments within the state.
“We have already seen unusually high numbers of both RSV and influenza cases within the past 6 weeks. In a typical year, our most significant numbers are seen in late December to January. It is still quite early in the respiratory virus season, which spans October through April. This causes concern for what may become a record peak in cases and hospitalizations for ’22-’23,” said Dr. Karlyn Armbruster, SEMC.
Such illnesses have led to hospitalizations, locally, at Sleepy Eye Medical Center.
“Here in Sleepy Eye, we have already hospitalized a number of small children with a more severe type of RSV infection called bronchiolitis. We have also hospitalized a number of patients, mostly older adults, with severe influenza symptoms. The very young, < 5 years, and older adults, especially those > 65 years, are at elevated risk of severe respiratory illness requiring care in the hospital,” said Armbruster.
Armbruster stressed the importance of recognizing warning signs and seeking care if concerns arise.
“Both the RSV and influenza viruses can cause respiratory distress, or trouble breathing, and low oxygen levels. Warning signs may include rapid or labored breathing, sometimes accompanied by a persistent fever (temperature 101F or higher). For a child, this typically includes lack of interest in eating, drinking, and playing normally. For an adult, symptoms may include body aches, decreased appetite, or headache, and as a result, inability to tolerate normal daily activities without shortness of breath. If concerns arise, we want to see this patient promptly to evaluate oxygen levels and check for dehydration.”
For clinic appointments, individuals should call 507-794-3691. In addition, SEMC’s Emergency Department is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Armbruster said that in most cases of respiratory illness, including RSV and influenza, an ill person can provide self-care at home by drinking plenty of fluids, taking ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol), other over-the-counter cough and cold medication, and using a humidifier in their home. In addition, she stressed frequent and thorough suctioning of the nose to remove secretions in children, which helps ease breathing and prevents progression to a more severe infection.
Precautions to mitigate the spread of seasonal illnesses are needed now to ease the burden on hospital emergency departments and keep our community as healthy as possible, including:
- Stay home if you or your family are sick.
- Wash hands often.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or shirt sleeve, not your hands.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs and mobile devices.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Mask when appropriate.
- Stay up to date on flu shots and COVID-19 boosters.
- Flu shots are recommended every year for adults and kids 6 months and older.
- COVID-19 vaccine boosters are recommended for adults and children 5 years and older if it has been at least two months since their last vaccine dose. People who recently had a COVID-19 infection may consider delaying their booster until three months after the first positive test or
when symptoms started.
• Consider your primary health provider or telehealth options for non-
emergency care.
• Have a primary care provider for your entire family and stay connected and up to
date with preventative care so that the primary care team can partner with you on
all health care issues.
Always go to the emergency department for emergencies or life-threatening illnesses and injuries and call 9-1-1 if you need immediate medical attention. As RSV is particularly dangerous for children, seek emergency medical assistance if advised by their primary care provider or if children are experiencing any of the severe symptoms outlined by the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
“It is more important this year than ever to stay home/keep your child home with cough, congestion, or sore throat—especially if accompanied by fever, chills or body aches,” said Armbruster.
To follow or learn more about weekly influenza and respiratory activity, including statistics, visit https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/flu/stats/index.html.