Flu and RSV cases on the rise in South Lake Tahoe and the county, is a COVID-19 rise next?

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Respiratory syncytial virus, Influenza, and even COVID-19 activity is increasing both in the community, California, and across the U.S.

"Consistent with data from the California Department of Public Health, our region is now seeing an uptick in respiratory infections including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), flu, and other respiratory viruses, with the highest concentration in pediatric populations," said Targhee Oeveraas, MS, MD, FACEP, Medical Director, Barton Emergency Department. "This surge is uniquely characterized by its early timing, whereas admissions typically increase for these viruses later in the year."

RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants and a cause of severe disease in adults older than age 65 years. Typically, RSV circulates during the winter, but this year it was surfacing in September, with 4.7 percent of respiratory illness specimens in California tested positive for RSV. That is normally the late November figure and California health officials said it is unknown how long this increased activity will continue.

Persons with RSV infection typically have a fever, cough, wheezing, and runny nose. Infants and young children may be irritable, lethargic, feed poorly, and have no fever.

Dr. Nancy Williams, the El Dorado County health officer, agrees with Dr. Oeveraas and said pediatric respiratory illness cases (especially RSV and flu) are occurring at greater rates across California this year than in any of the past five years, and the season got off to an early start.

"It is always best to focus on prevention and early treatment of illness, but especially true now because pediatric hospitals and emergency departments are being impacted by high numbers of patients," said Dr. Williams.

Elderly adults and pediatric patients are at higher risk for severe disease. Steps you can take to protect yourself and others against respiratory viruses include washing your hands, staying home if you’re sick, staying hydrated, and getting adequate sleep, according to Dr. Oeeveraas.

"Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect yourself and others in our community against flu and COVID-19," added Dr. Oeveraas. "Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are available from your primary care provider or local flu vaccination events, area pharmacies, and possibly your workplace. To learn more about flu vaccinations, visit BartonHealth.org/Flu."

Here is Dr. Williams' prevention list for not only RSV but also the flu and COVID-19:

- Avoid group settings when sick (e.g., work, school, social events, public transportation, etc.)
- Everyone 6 months of age and older should get immunized for flu (with very few exceptions). Getting up to date on COVID-19 vaccination is still recommended as well.
- RSV is thought to be more easily transmitted than flu and COVID through touching contaminated surfaces, so regular sanitization of surfaces is recommended
- To avoid unnecessarily burdening busy emergency departments, it is best to seek advice early if concerned about a child’s symptoms (from the child’s pediatrician, nurse advice line, telemedicine visit, etc.) Early diagnosis and treatment should prevent some children from needing emergency department visits or hospitalizations.
- Home COVID testing or testing at the South Lake Tahoe or other test sites are still available (EDCCOVID-19 Get A Test (edcgov.us). Generally, tests for RSV or flu are only available at medical provider offices.

"Unfortunately, there is no vaccination for RSV, so prevention is key," said Dr. Williams. "However, some higher-risk children up to 24 months of age (e.g., those born prematurely or who have certain medical conditions) may benefit from preventive doses of palivizumab. This treatment is offered by a child’s medical provider if indicated."

Patient transfers to regional health partners are limited right now due to this early surge in respiratory viruses, said Dr. Oeveraas. There is limited in-patient bed capacity at those regional partner facilities, but Barton does have capacity currently for in-patient admissions.

"Currently we are not seeing an increase in COVID-19 or hospital admissions due to COVID-19, however, the California Department of Public Health has stated that an increase in spread is likely to come," said Dr. Oeveraas.

Some of that spread is starting to be seen on the west slope of El Dorado County with eight people currently hospitalized with COVID-19 at Marshall Medical Center. There are 93 current cases and an average of 14 new cases per day.

Anyone experiencing severe symptoms from illness should seek professional medical advice and/ or treatment. In case of emergency, dial 9-1-1.