Virginia seeing increase in respiratory viruses; 17 deaths attributed to COVID-19, RSV, flu

Respiratory viruses including COVID-19, the flu, RSV and pneumonia are on the rise throughout Virginia, according to the Virginia Department of Health.

It is common for respiratory viruses to spread in the winter. Outbreaks are most common in long-term care facilities but also include daycare, healthcare and other congregate settings.

Numbers have been on the rise since early December.

There have been 17 associated deaths in the past six weeks, according to the VDH dashboard. The majority of deaths continue to be attributed to COVID-19.

For the week ending Dec. 28:

• 991 positive flu tests
• 2,949 positive COVID-19 tests
• 12 outbreaks under investigation at long-term care facilities
• 22.2 percent of emergency room visits were for respiratory illnesses

The Blue Ridge Health District, one of 35 health districts in Virginia, recommends staying up to date on vaccines, practicing good hygiene and taking steps for cleaner air.

Recommendations

• Stay up to date with all recommended vaccinations. Consult your healthcare provider about which vaccines are recommended for you.
• Cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow.
• Wash hands often, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (with at least 60 percent ethanol) can be used if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Improve ventilation when indoors as much as possible.
• Clean surfaces that are touched often (i.e., doorknobs, doorplates, faucet handles, etc.). Clean and disinfect your home or workplace regularly.

If you are sick

• Stay home and away from others if you are sick with symptoms of a respiratory virus.
• People who have been sick can return to their normal activities when BOTH of the following are true for at least 24 hours:
  • Their symptoms are getting better overall and
  • They have no fever and are not using fever-reducing medication.

Once people resume their normal activities, they may still be contagious and are encouraged to take added precautions for the next five days. These include wearing a well-fitting mask around others, practicing good hand and respiratory hygiene, and taking steps for cleaner air.