S T. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. , — Since Thanksgiving, the state of Indiana, in addition to St. Joseph, has only experienced a backlog of COVID-19 cases, but also a backlog of flu and RSV cases. With more festive gatherings in By the way, local fitness officials are only hoping the numbers will continue to rise.
“We expected them to be overlooked at this time of year. It’s concerning because we know cases go unreported,” said Dr. Mark Fox, deputy director of fitness for the St. County Health Department. Joseph.
Health officials have sounded the alarm about a surge in the disease in the county.
Deputy Health Director Dr. Fox said cases have skyrocketed since Thanksgiving, from 85 to 154 in a week of 100,000 people, and with COVID-19 at home more readily available, he believes the actual numbers are even higher.
“I think the vast majority of other people do internal testing and never report it. Therefore, we know that there are more than 154 consistent instances with 100,000 consistent instances per week. Our most productive estimate is between 3 and five times that amount. “Zorro explained.
But it’s not just COVID-19 that’s causing the challenge and increasing hospitalizations countywide.
Cases of influenza and RSV, especially among young and old, also raise concerns about an imaginable “triple epidemic,” fueled by holiday gatherings and winter weather.
“I would expect the flu and COVID numbers to worsen over the next month, as bloodless weather will drive other people indoors,” Fox said. “We hope there will be devoted meetings and facilities during the holidays. “
Fox added that this year, flu cases in particular are hitting and surpassing this season.
“There was less threat of exposure because more people were wearing masks or more people were restricting their activities. I don’t think it necessarily has to do with underlying immunity, because we’ve taken extra steps to protect each other and each other over the past few years. I think that’s why we’re now seeing higher and earlier rates.
As many prepare to see friends and family in the coming weeks, Fox reminds others not to let their guard down.
“Take precautions by getting a flu shot, getting a COVID booster. Staying home if you are sick, putting on a mask if interacting in public, especially in large groups, will help not only the person but also keep the systems healthy from being hit again.
Fox said St. Joseph has lower flu rates than some of the state’s other major counties, with about five percent of others getting tested and testing positive.
But, once again, he expects cases of flu, COVID and potentially RSV to occur after more festive gatherings.
To learn more about Covid-19 in Indiana, click here.
For more information on flu cases, click here.