At a time when hospitals are at or near capacity to handle a high rate of respiratory infections, Intermountain Doctors are again urging Utahns to get flu and Covid-19 vaccines. (Christine Murphy, Deseret News)
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SALT LAKE CITY – Doctors are once again urging Utahns to get flu and Covid-19 vaccines as hospitals are at or near capacity to deal with a surge in respiratory illnesses.
Dr. Per Gesteland, MD, a pediatrician at First Children’s Hospital and University of Utah Health, said communities in Utah have been hit hard by RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and influenza, and to a lesser extent, other diseases, in the past few weeks. Like covid-19, seasonal coronavirus and strep throat.
“The operation is so big that it is putting a lot of pressure on our health care system,” he said.
Gesteland said this is even more difficult for children’s facilities, including primary care children’s hospitals, which are at capacity for several weeks. The hospital has postponed nearly 50 emergency procedures in the past three weeks.
Gesteland says the RSV outbreak appears to have peaked, but is still bringing patients to hospitals and keeping doctors busy. Although it is not expected to peak until January or February, the flu is now at its highest level since last year.
Gesteland said he hopes that after learning about the condition, people can help prevent disease in themselves and their loved ones.
Dr. Tamara Sheffield, MD, medical director of preventive medicine at Intermountain Healthcare, says doctors see similar issues in adults, including flu, Covid-19 and RSV. An increase in these three respiratory diseases this year is called a snowstorm.
“We’re really seeing a tremendous amount of infections spreading throughout the community. And it’s putting a strain not only on the health system, but also on the drugs we use,” Sheffield said.
Monoclonal antibody treatments are not working against the current strain of Covid-19, which means they are running out of antiviral drugs to use, he said. Sheffield Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has provided guidance on how to prioritize antiviral medications used for the flu. It has become difficult to find flu treatment for children, she said, adding that some doctors have been taking adult medicines and modifying them to be used for children.
Because of the limitations in treatment options, Sheffield stressed that the best strategy is prevention — the flu vaccine, the bivalent covid-19 vaccine, masks, staying home when sick, washing hands and covering coughs.
“(These are) things that we know are good ways to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases. They’re working and they should be working for us now,” Sheffield said.
She said it’s too late to get the flu shot. She urged people to get their vaccinations today, a week or two before the holiday, to ensure the vaccine is effective.
The current number of flu cases is the highest the United States has seen in 10 years, Sheffield said, adding that the increase may be due to lower levels in the past few years and lower risk of infection. Vaccines help teach immunity and fight infectious diseases, he said.
Gesteland said supply chain issues and demand are also responsible for continued restrictions on common pediatric treatments, including fever and antibiotics. Although people have posted information online about how to switch adult medications for children, they say they want to talk to a pediatrician or pharmacist for advice, check some neighbors who are safe, and treat children with honey, moisture, or a small amount of Tylenol. Or Advil instead of cold medicine for adults.
RSV starts with cold symptoms, runny nose and sore throat, but can lead to a persistent cough, swelling and pneumonia-like symptoms, he said. If cold symptoms turn into trouble breathing, Gesteland, it’s time to see a doctor.
Sheffield said the flu is different because it typically has a more rapid onset than the flu. She added that flu and covid-19 antivirals are most effective if used within the first 48 hours of symptoms. Shortness of breath and a deep, dry cough can mean someone has Covid-19. According to Sheffield, it may be good to get tested and take some medicine soon.
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