Barton Hospital seeing uptick in flu cases and hospitalizations

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Hospitalizations due to the flu are spiking across the country, and South Lake Tahoe is no different.

"We continue to see an uptick in respiratory infections including influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and other respiratory viruses, with the highest concentration in pediatric populations," said Dr. Tamara McBride, Barton's Director of Hospital Medicine, Antimicrobial Stewardship, and Infection Control.

In mid-November, RSV hospitalizations were surging in South Lake Tahoe, but that has shifted to heightened hospitalizations due to the flu, especially in children.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), California is labeled as "Very High" for flu activity with the highest numbers coming from the southern end of the state. CDC estimates that, so far this season, there have been at least 8.7 million illnesses, 78,000 hospitalizations, and 4,500 deaths from flu.

While some may recover from flu without treatment, elderly adults, pediatric patients, and those with certain health conditions are at higher risk of complications and hospitalization due to respiratory infections, said Dr. McBride.

If you have symptoms, it is important to get tested for flu as soon as possible. For positive tests, a medical provider may prescribe antiviral treatment which, when administered within the first 48 hours of symptoms, is proven to be helpful in decreasing the duration and severity of symptoms.

"Additional 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," said Dr. McBride. "Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect yourself and others in our community against flu and COVID-19. 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. For the 2022-23 season, 154.10 million doses of flu vaccine have been distributed in the United States. When compared to the last five years, 2022 has had the fewest number of Americans vaccinated against the flu.

The last two years saw a reduction in flu cases as Americans were doing the things that prevent the flu: Washing hands, covering their face, and staying home.

COVID-19 numbers are also going up. There are currently 14 residents hospitalized in El Dorado County hospitals, 12 at Marshall in Placerville, and 2 at Barton in South Lake Tahoe. Last year at this time there were 17,481 new cases of COVID-19, 6918 cases over a 7-day average. This year, it is 10,043 new cases, 7927 cases over a 7-day average.

Anyone experiencing severe symptoms from illness should seek professional medical advice and/ or treatment. In case of an emergency, dial 911.