Salem Township Hospital as well as SSM Health St. Mary’s and Good Samaritan Hospitals say they are all following the national trend of a high influx of flu cases. COVID-19 cases are up, but not to last year’s level.
Salem Township Hospital Nurse Executive Lisa Ambuehl says between November first and December 14th they had completed 1,019 flu tests with 381 positives. All but five were the more serious “A” flu. The hospital has had three inpatient admissions. Ambuehl says fortunately as last week wound down they were seeing a decrease in the number seeking treatment in the urgent care centers. She reports they have seen a few RSV cases mostly in children and one hospitalization. Ambuehl says they are also seeing a few more positive COVID-19 tests as well.
At SSM Health Good Samaritan in Mt Vernon and St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia, the Registered Nurse in Charge of Infection Prevention at Good Samaritan, Deb Manning provides an update.
“Locally for influenza, we are starting to see an increase in activity that started about 2 weeks ago. We are early for the usual flu season, typically we don’t see that start until January. We are starting early this year so we expect a really heavy influenza season.”
Manning reports the cases are resulting in some hospital stays.
“We are seeing a fair amount of patients being admitted with both Covid and influenza but more flue than Covid. The severity of the Covid cases seems to be less than it was last winter.”
Manning is recommending the flu vaccine, but notes it takes two weeks to become effective. She reports there is a good match this year between the vaccine and the flu variations they are seeing. Manning also feels the COVID boosters are helping keep serious COVID cases down.
Ambuehl shares recommendations on what to do if you have a respiratory infection.
“Good hygiene, good cough etiquette. If you have to cough, do it in the elbow of your arm or at least use a Kleenex. If you know you have respiratory systems and you have to go out, wear a mask. Stay home if you know you are sick and running a fever. Vitamin C is good to take. But stay home, rest and fluids.”
Ambuehl says the flu cases exploded after the Thanksgiving holidays.
Health officials are concerned about another influx of cases following the Christmas Holidays.
