Editors note: As figures have changed since the story was posted initially, the content has been revised with the newest data.
You’ve likely been hearing about the triple threat of viruses affecting increasing numbers of Americans, and that definitely includes the Sheboygan area.
Most only need to look as far as their workplace or school to see the evidence: Coughs, sneezes, fevers and other symptoms are common, and that’s a problem because these and others are shared by all three illnesses of concern – COVID-19, Influenza and RSV.
COVID-19 has been the worst among the older population and, like the flu, can hit anybody. But RSV, which has mostly been associated with infants and children, is making an especially strong appearance early in the season.
Tom Haupt is an Epidemiologist working with the State of Wisconsin, and he noted some disturbing trends about the disease this time around, saying: “RSV, or Respiratory Syncytial Virus, is at midwinter-type numbers. This is what we would normally be seeing in the end of January into the beginning of February…very high number of cases, very high number of hospitalizations especially amongst young children, and it’s particularly hitting hard children who are less than a year old.”
There’s currently no vaccine for RSV, and in addition to that, Haupt said that it’s not just the youngest, but also the oldest among us which are vulnerable to the illness, saying that: “…we also have to include in that it’s going to be a severe year for the older population as well, especially those people who live in congregate settings like long-term care facilities and nursing homes / assisted livings.”
The evidence of seasonal respiratory disease locally…including COVID-19, RSV and Influenza….is easily seen in attendance figures from the Sheboygan Area School District. After a 3.5% absentee rate on November 23rd, that increased to 6.1% just five days later although that has since declined a bit. The State Division of Public Health saw a doubling of positive Influenza-A tests rates from 7% last week to 14% this week, while COVID-19 also threatens with positivity rates in the last 7 days rising to 9.2% and a 7-day death average up one notch to 4.
Of major concern is the ability to handle the number of patients needing emergency room treatment for any reason while being strained due to the load of respiratory illness. Currently the Wisconsin Hospital Association reports that nearly 80% of Wisconsin’s inpatient hospital beds as occupied, with ICU beds just a hair behind. And here in the southeast region, room is even tighter with 83% occupancy overall, and more than 86% of ICU beds accounted for with rates both rising.
Wisconsin DHS and CDC officials agree that the best way to preserve available hospital resources is to get vaccinated. Since all three illnesses can mimic one another, experts advise that one should home-test to determine whether or not COVID is involved and follow the CDC’s advice if a positive result is found. And while an effective medication for RSV remains to be developed, vaccines for Influenza and COVID-19 are plentiful and available, mostly at free or reduced costs through insurance and public programs.
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