WALLA WALLA—Respiratory illness has dramatically increased throughout the U.S. and Washington State, causing strain on healthcare providers, clinics, and hospitals. Influenza, RSV, and COVID infections have led to increased hospitalizations and ICU admissions, with children and the elderly most affected. Over the past several weeks, Walla Walla County has seen a similar escalation in respiratory cases.

The current influenza wave is occurring weeks earlier and with a more rapid rate of rise than usual. Throughout the state, E.R. visits for influenza-like illness are 10-15% higher than this time last year. Concurrently, there are influenza-like outbreaks in Long Term care institutions and other congregate settings.

In Washington State, influenza has claimed the lives of 11 adults and two children so far this season. In November, weekly influenza cases in Walla Walla County increased from 5 to 485. In the first three days of December, the County had 98 cases.

According to Elizabeth Bowen, RN, Infection Preventionist at Providence St. Mary Medical Center, “10-20 people in the hospital in Walla Walla with a respiratory disease on any given day, with influenza being the leading cause.”

RSV cases in the Pacific Northwest are double what they were a year ago and are causing hospitalizations not only in infants but also in the elderly and immunocompromised. According to Providence, there have been 133 documented cases of RSV since November 1 and a 20% increase in RSV cases over the past three weeks.

COVID continues to have substantial to high community transmission levels in Washington State with increasing case rates and hospitalizations. Most new COVID cases in our county are in those over age 65, increasing the chances of more hospitalizations.

The cumulative effect of these respiratory illnesses, occurring on the heels of a long COVID pandemic, puts immense pressure on county healthcare providers, urgent care, walk-in clinics, emergency rooms, and hospitals. To conserve emergency services, Providence St. Mary is asking people to go to the Emergency Department only if they are experiencing the following:

• Serious injury

• Chest pain or stroke symptoms,

• Feeling extremely ill,

• Having trouble breathing,

• Dizziness

• High temperature.

People with minor illnesses or injuries should seek treatment from their primary care providers and walk-in treatment centers, including Providence Express Care, Providence Urgent Care, and the Walla Walla Clinic Walk-in Clinic.

Other steps you can take include:

• Get vaccinated for influenza.

• Get vaccinated or boosted for COVID-19.

• Cover your cough.

• Wash your hands frequently.

• Consider masking around vulnerable individuals.

Influenza and COVID vaccines are available at local pharmacies and your healthcare provider’s office. In addition, there will be a vaccine clinic at Providence Southgate on December 8, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., targeted for back-to-school vaccines for children. Influenza and Covid-19 vaccines will also be available for children and adults.

“We each have the power to slow the spread of respiratory illness in our community and to protect ourselves and others through proper respiratory etiquette and getting the COVID and Influenza vaccines.” Dr. Daniel Kaminsky, Public Health Officer.