DOVER, DE (OCT. 28, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is concerned about increases in respiratory viruses in the state, particularly influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). For the week of Oct. 16, 2022, through Oct. 22, 2022, there were 44 laboratory-confirmed cases of the flu, compared to 19 cases the week before, bringing the statewide total for the season which began October 2, to 69.  For the same week, there were 98 cases of RSV, for a season total of 250. With COVID-19 continuing to circulate, DPH officials are concerned about the impact a “Tripledemic” of these respiratory viruses could have on the state’s overall health and hospital capacity. 

“We are managing the response to three serious respiratory viruses at once – the flu, RSV, and COVID-19 – and are significantly concerned about the impact increasing cases could have on an already strained hospital system,” said DPH Interim Director Dr. Rick Hong.  “Our primary message is stay home if you are sick. Fortunately, a vaccine is available for flu and COVID-19, and now is the time to ensure all eligible Delawareans have received these critically important immunizations including the new COVID bivalent booster to provide them with the most updated protection against circulating variants. Unfortunately, a vaccine is not available for RSV and the current increase in cases throughout Delaware and the country emphasize the need to carefully follow prevention measures for these seasonal viruses.” 

The flu and COVID-19 have many similar symptoms, including fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue (tiredness), sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle pain or body aches and headaches. Other signs and symptoms of COVID-19 that are different from flu include a change in or loss of taste or smell. If you are sick, the best thing to do is call your health care provider to see if you should get tested for COVID-19 or come in for a visit. Even if you take a home COVID-19 test and it’s negative, consider re-testing in two days, or consult your provider to see if you need a flu test. 

RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms including fever, cough, congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and in infants, fussiness and poor feeding.  It then progresses to more severe symptoms such as fast or short breathing or wheezing, and in infants and young children, grunting noises when breathing, chest caving in during breathing, and skin turning purple or blue due to lack of oxygen. While persons of any age can develop RSV, it is most common in children under age 2 and can be severe, especially for infants and older adults. Most people will recover in one to two weeks. 

Delawareans can help prevent the spread of RSV, COVID-19, the flu, and other respiratory illnesses by following these simple steps.:

1. Get vaccinated for COVID-19, the flu, and other illnesses for which vaccines are available
2. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and dispose of the tissue in a wastebasket afterward
3. Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers
4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
5. Sanitize commonly touched surfaces more frequently during the fall and winter
6. Wear a mask when cases are high or if you are at higher risk for respiratory illness

The Delaware hospital system is experiencing strain right now, and Emergency Department (ED) wait times can be lengthy.  DPH wants to remind Delawareans when to, and not to visit the ED or call 911.

VISIT ED:

• Trouble breathing or wheezing that is not well-controlled by asthma medications
• Unusual sleepiness or confusion
• A stiff neck and a fever
• A cut that won’t stop bleeding
• A broken bone
• Tightness in chest or pain
• Elevated blood pressure with other symptoms, such as chest pain or severe headache
• Drug overdose
• A head injury with vomiting, sleepiness, fainting or seizure
• An eye injury
• A serious burn
• At risk of harming themselves or others

DON’T VISIT ED:

• Need a COVID-19 test
• Don’t feel well but can manage symptoms with over-the-counter medications
• Elevated blood pressure without other symptoms
• Runny nose/cough without trouble breathing
• Fever with mild symptoms
• Muscle soreness or backaches
• Minor cuts or scrapes
• Nausea or diarrhea without abdominal pain

For more information about RSV, the flu and COVID-19, visit publichealthalerts.delaware.gov. 

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The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), a division of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, is a nationally accredited public health agency recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board for its outstanding dedication to driving change through innovation. DPH is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.  

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person’s spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit http://delawarerelay.com. 

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