As the new year gets underway, health officials are issuing a nationwide alert about a triple threat: the simultaneous spread of the flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting a significant rise in emergency room visits due to flu and COVID-19, while RSV infections continue to pose a serious risk — particularly to infants and the elderly. The most recent data reported showed that during the week ending December 30, there were almost 35,000 new hospitalizations nationally due to COVID-19 and more than 20,000 due to influenza. The state of Tennessee is among several states in the Southeast reporting at the highest possible respiratory illness activity level.
As many families were forced to reschedule Christmas gatherings due to illness, Maury Regional Medical Center reported 148 patients who tested positive for COVID-19, influenza or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) between December 24-31. According to Maury Regional Health Chief Medical Officer Christina Lannom, DO, 24 of those patients were hospitalized on December 31.
“As far as RSV is concerned, I was told in nurse practitioner school that it is basically the common cold,” said Daysha Brantley, FNP, Collinwood Family Care. “The reason it is so hard on babies and young children is that their bodies don’t know how to get rid of the buildup of mucus.” That is something to think about, when you consider that as adults, we are able to blow our noses or cough and clear our throats to get rid of the offending mucus.
“We are seeing several adults test positive for RSV this year,” Brantley went on to say. “They are presenting with high fevers and flu-like symptoms, which we haven’t really seen much of in the past. Also, it is affecting people who are otherwise healthy and have no immunosuppression or chronic illnesses.”
Brantley confirmed that COVID-19 and the flu are back in full force now as well. “It actually is possible to test positive for RSV, COVID-19, and Flu A or Flu B all at the same time.”
“This is the season when respiratory illness tends to peak and this year is no exception,” Dr. Lannom said. “All of these illnesses spread rapidly and are transmitted through respiratory droplets, so make sure you’re taking precautions to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. This includes covering your cough or sneeze, washing your hands frequently with soap and water, staying hydrated and getting plenty of sleep. Also, if you are experiencing any symptoms or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for any of these viruses, it is important to isolate and mask so that you are protecting those around you.”
