Uninvited guests ready to return to area holiday tables: COVID-19, RSV and the flu
When gathering with friends and family this holiday season, don’t forget unseen guests in the form of illness also could be in attendance.
For starters, COVID is still out there, in larger numbers than you might think.
Wastewater monitoring in Washington counties posted on the Department of Health dashboard as of Tuesday, Nov. 21, showed a concentrated increase of COVID-19 cases in Thurston, Pierce, King and Snohomish counties in the most recent update from mid-November.
Drilling down, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer wastewater charts for Pierce County from two different sewersheds. As of mid-November, the larger sewershed population sample showed a defined upswing while another representing a much smaller population sample showed a continuing downward decline.
Federal health officials recommend if you have COVID symptoms, test immediately, then test again if your first result is negative.
If you were exposed to someone with COVID and you do not have symptoms, wait five full days after exposure before testing. Testing too early might give you a false negative result.
You should consider testing before coming into contact with someone who has a high risk for severe COVID, people who are older adults or immunocompromised, or have other medical conditions.
As of Nov. 20, every U.S. household is eligible to order four more free at-home COVID tests. If you didn’t order tests this fall, you can place two orders. To order, go to covid.gov/tests.
Flu, RSV rates also on rise
Influenza is making a big return to at least one part of the state. Apple Valley News Now reported on Nov. 20 that MultiCare’s Yakima Memorial Hospital had seen a surge in respiratory cases, with flu leading the way.
“Currently, we are at capacity,” chief medical officer Dr. Tanny Davenport told the news site. “The activity pickup is similar to what we would see in earlier surges in the COVID pandemic, so it’s got our attention.”
Respiratory syncytial virus was also on the rise in Yakima and Tacoma.
Scott Thompson is media representative for Tacoma-based MultiCare Health System. In response to questions, he told The News Tribune on Nov. 21, “We have seen an uptick in RSV cases at Mary Bridge Children’s, but not enough to put us at the threshold where we would ask folks to start masking again at the hospital.”
He added, “We are still seeing low numbers of flu cases in the Puget Sound.”
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, in a statement, told The News Tribune that “Currently, we are not seeing a significant increase in admissions related to influenza. However, in line with previous years and national trends, it’s likely we will see an uptick in respiratory illness and related admissions over the next few months.”
It added that “VMFH will work to ensure hospitals are appropriately staffed to manage anticipated surges.”
On Nov. 21, the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department issued an advisory for medical providers that at least one RSV preventive antibody agent for infants was in short supply.
“Nirsevimab supply is on allocation from CDC. Washington Department of Health (DOH) is prioritizing tribal clinics and birthing hospitals,” the advisory noted.
Those pregnant can receive Abrysvo RSV vaccine at 32–36 weeks gestation “to protect newborns from severe RSV after birth,” it noted.
Palivizumab (Synagis), a monoclonal antibody prescribed to combat RSV, is available for eligible infants instead of nirsevimab this season.
Basic pandemic-era rules still apply beyond vaccination: Mask up in crowds where there’s poor air circulation, stay home if you are ill, and wash hands frequently.
This story was originally published November 22, 2023 at 5:00 AM.
