As Delaware heads into its third holiday season of the pandemic, COVID-19 cases have been increasing.
Dr. Michael Coletta, chief physician for the Division of Public Health, spoke with Delaware Online/The News Journal on how families can best fend off the different viruses.
Here’s what to think about when celebrating the holidays this year:
Be alert for flu and RSV
In the beginning part of the pandemic, flu and RSV took a bit of a “backseat,” Coletta explained. But now, cases have been increasing.
This “tripledemic” of COVID-19, flu and RSV comes at a time when Delaware hospitals are strained and still experiencing workforce shortages. Last week, the state confirmed its first flu-related death in a Kent County resident. The person did not have a flu vaccination.
FLU SEASON:Delaware sees first flu-related death of the season; public urged to get vaccinated
“Flu never went away,” Coletta said, “you just didn’t see it as much. It wasn’t as prevalent. RSV has always been there. And it always affects kids more than it affects adults.”
“All three of them are affecting us.”
RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is very common among young children. Dr. Raghda Bchech, of Bayhealth Family Medicine, said parents should look for the following symptoms in their children: a runny nose, cough, fever or decrease in appetite or urination.
While most of the symptoms can be managed at home, if a child is wheezing or having difficulty breathing, parents should call their doctor ASAP.
Get vaccinated and get boosted
Doctors and infectious disease experts say the best way to prevent getting COVID-19 or the flu is to get vaccinated and be up-to-date with the most recent COVID-19 booster.
Here’s the latest guidance on vaccines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Coletta strongly urges Delawareans to get their flu vaccine, which can often be forgotten about. The vaccine is especially important for those who are at higher risk for influenza.
While it is still possible to get the flu or COVID-19 even if you are vaccinated, research shows the vaccines can reduce symptoms.
Take precautions, especially for high-risk loved ones
In addition to getting vaccinated, Coletta recommends taking an at-home COVID-19 test at least two days before a holiday gathering. People who test positive for COVID-19 should stay home to protect others from becoming infected.
For those who do test positive for COVID-19 and have to go out in public, he recommends the following: Wear a mask, wash your hands and keep your distance.
THE TRIPLEDEMIC:COVID-19, RSV and flu by the numbers: How they’re impacting Delaware ahead of holidays
Don’t be a hero. Stay home if you’re sick.
If you are not feeling well, and yet test negative for COVID-19, still stay home, Coletta said.
“You’re not in the clear,” he said. “You might have the flu, you might have RSV, you might have something else.”
The physician said symptoms can “come in different ways.” Typical signs of sickness can include abdominal pain with nausea or vomiting, in addition to a headache, body aches and a slight fever.
If you’re feeling sick at all, Coletta said, it’s best to skip the holiday party.
“Stay home, don’t go to social gatherings. Just send a card in the mail.”
