Nina – As the holiday season begins and the peak season for family and social gatherings, respiratory diseases also increase.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services reported in mid-November that cases of influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus were on the rise. In particular, there has been an increase in the number of RSV-infected young children hospitalized in the province.
Cases of all types of respiratory illnesses tend to increase in the winter because people spend more time indoors, and that's what we're seeing, says Dr. Montgomery "Monk" Elmer on ThedaCare's leadership in primary care and continuous improvement. Difference.
How do I know what disease I have?
Many people find it difficult to recognize what the disease is when they experience respiratory symptoms. What matters most is not what type of virus you have, but what precautions you take.
For healthy people, the cure is “chicken soup and couches.” In other words, the general advice is to take care of yourself and be on the lookout for worsening symptoms.
Other home care measures include drinking enough fluids and taking over-the-counter fever-reducing medication if needed.
Guidelines for COVID-19 vary. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still recommends self-isolating for at least five days if you test positive, regardless of symptoms. People must also wear masks for 10 days after a positive test result.
When should I seek treatment?
In general, see a doctor if you experience worrisome symptoms, if the fever doesn't go away after three days, or if you experience shortness of breath.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek emergency medical help immediately:
Difficulty breathing.
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest.
new chaos;
Inability to wake up or stay awake. OR:
Skin, lips, or nails are pale, gray, or blue, depending on skin color.
What is the current situation regarding COVID-19?
COVID-19 is on the rise again. According to the CDC, HV.1 is currently the variant responsible for the majority of cases.
Wisconsin's wastewater monitoring program, which tests wastewater samples in the state to track COVID-19 levels, explains the spike in COVID-19 cases. Recent data shows that communities served by ThedaCare have very high or extremely high morbidity rates.
“The good news is that COVID-19 is less deadly than it used to be, and fewer people are getting seriously ill from the disease,” the doctor said. Elmer: “The bad news is that it's more contagious.”
The corona virus (COVID-19) is currently difficult to track because people rarely get tested. People tend to take the test at home or skip it altogether.
While COVID-19 is less deadly, the number of hospitalized patients in Wisconsin has increased about 10% in recent weeks. This is in line with other countries. The coronavirus (COVID-19) still kills more people each year than flu and other diseases.
Updated vaccines have become available in recent months, but many people have not yet received vaccinations. By the end of October, only 7% of US adults and 2% of children had received new doses.
What about other respiratory diseases?
Over the past three years, COVID-19 has become a dominant force. It has successfully eliminated other players such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus and rhinovirus.
“But viruses evolve,” said Dr. Elmer: “So we're seeing other diseases come back. "That's why we had a 'triple pandemic' last year where flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus temporarily overwhelmed hospitals."
Some experts predict it will happen again in 2023-2024. in the respiratory season.
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What should I know about respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)?
Most people infected with RSV or respiratory syncytial virus experience mild, cold-like symptoms. However, some groups are at greater risk of serious illness. This includes babies 12 months or younger, especially premature babies, some elderly people, people with heart and lung disease, and those with weakened immune systems.
The good news this year was federal approval of the RSV vaccine for seniors and pregnant women, as well as nirsevimab, a monoclonal antibody that may protect children. Although vaccines are available for seniors and pregnant women, supplies of nertezimab are limited and not available for most infants who are eligible for vaccination.
The CDC recommends one dose of Abrysvo RSV vaccine during RSV season for people who are 32 to 36 weeks pregnant. This means that pregnant women should receive the RSV vaccine between September and January to protect their babies from severe RSV disease at birth.
To prevent severe RSV disease in babies, experts recommend RSV vaccination of the mother or immunization of the baby with RSV monoclonal antibodies. According to the CDC, most children don't need it either.
Adults aged 60 years and over should consult a doctor about whether the RSV vaccine is right for them. Pregnant women should ask their doctor when they should take Apresvo.
The CDC recommends that people take daily steps to prevent the spread of RSV and other respiratory illnesses.
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How can I avoid getting sick?
Follow the latest developments regarding vaccines. It's not too late to get a flu and COVID-19 vaccination.
“Vaccination reduces the risk of getting these diseases,” said Dr. Elmer: “While you can get the flu or COVID-19, even if you are vaccinated, the vaccine can help protect you from serious illness. Vaccination also protects our vulnerable friends, neighbors and loved ones.”
If you are sick, stay home. Take care of yourself and others. Additionally, wash your hands, stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, and eat a balanced diet.
Simple precautions can help keep you and those around you healthy this season.
This article first appeared on Oshkosh Northwestern. Wisconsin coronavirus, influenza and RSV. ThedaCare shares tips for staying healthy.