California halted its state of emergency for COVID-19 in February, but the winter of 2023/24 is marked by COVID’s gradual return to an endemic virus similar to the flu, state health experts warn.
Meanwhile, COVID and influenza hospitalizations are on the rise this fall Post-Thanksgiving yet it is less than it was this time last year. “I think what we’re seeing at UCSF is a reflection of that, (currently),” Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease specialist at UCSF said, earlier this fall.
Here in Lake County, Public Health Officer Noemi Doohan reminds residents we have entered the Winter Respiratory Virus Season that is typical for this time of the year. “As we prepare for the holidays, we are seeing the winter respiratory viruses are on the rise, including RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus) influenza and COVID-19. Dr, Doohan said. “These viruses cause lung and respiratory symptoms like runny nose, sneezing coughing and flu-like symptoms.”
But they are also some of the typical viral infections that circulate that can cause gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea. “This year is looking like it will be similar to last year in terms of the rate of these respiratory and GI viral infections but it’s still early in the season,” Doohan said.
But a difference this year is that health officials are not reporting daily case rates from individual tests of patients with the COVID infections as it was done during the pandemic. “We track data differently now that the pandemic is over including in Lake County, for example with population level data from Wastewater Monitoring,” she said. A link: (COVID-19 Wastewater Surveillance (ca.gov)
The CDC also tracks data gathered at the County level which can be found at: CDC COVID Data Tracker: Home.
“Regarding Covid, we can be reassured that the vaccines and medicines we have now for this viral illness are effective,” Doohan, went on. “If you haven’t gotten your COVID or flu shots this year, now would be a good time to get them. There is also a RSV vaccine for those who qualify such as pregnant women and older adults.”
Another link to check: Update on RSV and New Vaccine Recommendation |CDC.
“There are medicines for COVID and flu that are very effective and can be obtained through a medical provider,” she continued. “If you don’t have access to a provider, or want more information about treatments for Covid, the California Covid test to treat resource can help.” COVID-19 Treatment – Coronavirus COVID-19 Response (ca.gov).
In addition Doohan advised, “All of the Winter Holiday season viruses can be kept under control with simple behaviors to avoid spread of germs and viral infections: Stay isolated at home when you are sick if you can. If you can’t
isolate, wash your hands frequently and wear a mask.”
Another site to check; Get the Most Out of Masking: Tips & Resources (ca.gov)
“And If possible, when you have large gatherings, gather outside or with good ventilation indoors,” she advised.
“When we gather for the holidays, we want to spread holiday cheer and love, but not viral infections,” Doohan cautioned. “Your Public Health Officer is here to spread some infection prevention words of wisdom, so you can have the happiest and healthiest holiday ever.” Dr. Doohan wished to express to everyone, have the most delightful holidays.
Some key take aways from this flu season compared to last year according to the California Department of Health:
– Influenza activity is increasing in the state
– Now is a good time to get a vaccination to protect yourself against the flu, its potentially serious complicationsand reduce strain on the healthcare system
– Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity remains elevated in California
– Several products are available to prevent RSV infection
– The overall percentage of influenza detections in clinical sentinel laboratories during Week 49 (Ending Dec. 9) was 12.5% compared to 8.8% during Week 48
– ILI (Influenza Like Illness)is defined as any illness with fever (≥100°F or 37.8°C) and cough and/or sore throat
– A total of 194 enrolled sentinel providers have reported data for Week 49. The percentage of visits for ILI during Week 49 was 5.8% compared to 5.6% during Week 48 and was above the baseline – The overall percentage of RSV detections in clinical sentinel laboratories during Week 49 was 10.4% – Hospital admissions for COVID are similar to where they were at this time last year, around 300 daily
