S2 Ep9: Situational Update on COVID-19/Flu/RSV Pt. 3

Q1: Are respiratory viruses still a concern post-holiday season? Yes, influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 circulate. Flu and COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are rising, stressing hospital capacity, while RSV has declined. Q2: Why are high hospitalizations problematic? Hospitals are at capacity, exacerbated by staff shortages due to illness. This leads to long ER waits and potential lack of regular rooms. Q3: How can people reduce hospitalization risk? Prevent infection by wearing masks indoors, limiting gathering sizes (especially with high-risk individuals), staying home when sick, practicing cough/sneeze etiquette, cleaning surfaces, washing hands, and getting vaccinated (flu, COVID-19 shots/boosters). Seek immediate care for severe symptoms or if in a high-risk group. Warning signs for children include trouble breathing, bluish lips, chest pain, severe muscle pain, dehydration, altered consciousness, seizures, high fever (or any fever in infants under 12 weeks), worsening chronic conditions, or worsening/returning fever/cough. For adults, warning signs include difficulty breathing, chest pain/pressure, dizziness/confusion, seizures, no urination, severe muscle pain/weakness, worsening chronic conditions, or worsening/returning fever/cough. Q4: What is OHA doing about hospital staffing? OHA is working with Gov. Brown to ease staffing issues through an executive order providing flexibility and allowing medical volunteers. OHA has brought in contract nurses and respiratory therapists and seeks additional funding for supplemental staffing. OHA also uses the Health Alert Network (HAN) to update healthcare communities on surge response, supplies, guidelines, and prevention. Document accessibility: OHA provides information in alternate formats. Contact the Health Information Center at 1-971-673-2411, 711 TTY, or [e-mail].