OHIO — Hospitalizations for the flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are on the decline across Ohio, Ohio Department of Health Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff said in a press conference on Wednesday.
Wednesday’s press conference had a hopeful tone compared to a month ago, when health officials said hospitals were becoming overwhelmed with the “tripledemic” of cases: Flu, RSV and COVID-19.
“We are in a better spot than we have been in the past two years,” Vanderhoff said, pointing to COVID-19 and flu vaccines as the reason.
RSV and the flu both had earlier seasons than normal, spiking with cases quicker than in previous years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hospitalizations for RSV has fallen by two-thirds over the past few months.
It’s the same case with the flu. In Ohio, between Dec. 4-10, ODH documented 1,199 hospitalizations for the virus. It’s less than the week before, Nov. 27-Dec. 3, when ODH reported 1,424 hospitalizations.
(Ohio Department of Health)
However, Vanderhoff pointed out that although the decline is good, it doesn’t mean the viruses are going away. For the flu, he said it’s normal for the virus to have “peaks and valleys” throughout the season.
“I want to caution that we need to be mindful of the collective impact of all three of these viruses which have a proven ability to cause severe illness,” Vanderhoff said.
Vanderhoff continued to urge Ohioans to get their vaccines for COVID-19 and the flu. There is no vaccine for RSV, but there are preventative tactics.
“One of the best prevention tools we have is to stay home and away from others when we’re under the weather,” Vanderhoff said.
ODH gave these tips to help prevent the spread of RSV:
- For some babies who meet specific criteria for being at high risk of getting RSV, there is a preventive monoclonal antibody called Palivizumab available. Your child’s health care provider will discuss this option with you if your baby or child is eligible. Monoclonal antibodies will not treat or cure an existing infection and are only used to prevent RSV in eligible individuals.
- Encourage good handwashing of adults and older children in the household for at least 20 seconds.
- Remember to cover coughs and sneezes.
- Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick (avoid kissing, handshakes, sharing eating or drinking utensils).
- Clean high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, tables, cell phones and other electronics.
- Older children, caregivers, and adults in the home who are sick with viruses should avoid interactions with individuals considered to be at high risk of severe RSV.
- Limit time in potentially contagious settings such as child care centers.
- Decrease or eliminate exposure to environmental secondhand smoke and breastfeeding, if you can, to help reduce respiratory infections.
- Keep an eye on RSV trends in your area and take extra precautions when needed.
