Health agencies caution public of risks from respiratory disease

By Editor | December 19, 2023 |

By DAVID CAMPHOUSE

With rising RSV activity and increasing COVID-19 hospitalizations, the Illinois Department of Public Health recently recommended that healthcare facilities adopt mitigation measures to reduce the spread of respiratory diseases.

IDPH also recently reported that 51 counties, or half the counties in Illinois, are now at a medium or high level for COVID-19 hospitalizations.

IDPH issued a health alert last week to hospitals, long-term care facilities, and local health departments outlining various mitigation measures such as the use of masking and screening, especially in areas where more vulnerable patients are treated.

In addition, last week IDPH reported that RSV is causing a heavy burden of pediatric hospitalizations and the percent of lab tests that are positive for RSV have been rising for 10 consecutive weeks.

COVID-19, IDPH added, is causing the most hospitalizations among respiratory viruses, however hospitalizations are also rising steadily for flu and RSV. The percent of positive lab tests for flu and COVID-19 have been rising for three consecutive weeks as of last week.

The Pike County Health Department (PCHD) echoed the concerns of IDPH and directed residents to take precautions to curb the spread of respiratory diseases.

According to PCHD, residents are encouraged to abide by the following guidelines to stay vigilant in protecting themselves and others against such illnesses:

• Receive vaccines, if eligible. Vaccines are the best defense against severe illness and death caused by RSV, Influenza, COVID-19, and Pneumonia.

• Wash your hands. Frequent hand washing is an easy and effective way to stay healthy and slow the spread of germs.

• Practice cough etiquette. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.

• Stay home if you’re sick. Residents who have symptoms should stay home, get tested and seek treatment when necessary.

The Pike County Health Department offers walk-in immunizations Monday and Thursday from 1pm-4pm. RSV vaccines are now available for infants and pregnant women as well as adults ages 60 and older. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are available for everyone 6 months and older. Pneumonia vaccines are available for adults ages 65 and older as well as adults with chronic conditions who are 19 years and older. Individuals wishing to be vaccinated should bring their photo ID and insurance cards.

Many local healthcare providers are following IDPH guidance to mitigate the spread of respiratory diseases, including the five Memorial Health hospitals: Decatur Memorial Hospital, Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Springfield Memorial Hospital and Taylorville Memorial Hospital.

For the safety of patients and their families as well as Memorial Health colleagues, Memorial Health requires that hospital visits be limited to two visitors per patient at one time, and that all visitors be 18 years of age or older and show no signs of illness. Masks are encouraged but not required at this time. Disposable masks will be available for visitors upon entry.

To help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, people should cover their mouth, especially when coughing or sneezing; wash hands frequently; receive all recommended vaccinations; and wear a mask around others.

Most people who suffer from respiratory illness recover completely in one to two weeks, but some people develop serious and potentially life-threatening medical complications, according to the IDPH.

For additional information about respiratory illnesses, including symptoms and prevention, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.