Respiratory illnesses climb in southern Middle Tennessee

Cases of flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID are climbing in southern Middle Tennessee, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting. Each Friday, the CDC updates the respiratory illness data channel with the latest statistics for respiratory virus activity and provides community snapshots signifying if activity levels are minimal, low, moderate, high or very high.

As of Friday, Dec. 27, emergency department data from Maury County hospitals indicates that RSV rates are very high, flu rates are high and COVID rates are moderate; however, all three are climbing in Maury and surrounding counties. While the symptoms of these three viruses vary, common symptoms include fever, chills, sore throat, nasal congestion, runny nose and body aches.

“In the past few days, we have treated a high number of patients for all three viruses,” said Maury Regional Health Chief Medical Officer Christina Lannom, DO. “We anticipate that we will continue to see high rates of respiratory illnesses in our primary care practices, urgent care clinics and emergency departments following holiday gatherings — the perfect environment for spreading viruses.”

Respiratory viruses spread rapidly and are transmitted through respiratory droplets. Precautions to prevent the spread include covering your cough or sneeze, washing your hands frequently with soap and water, staying hydrated and getting plenty of sleep. Anyone experiencing symptoms or who has been exposed to someone who has tested positive should isolate and mask to protect others from exposure. Those most vulnerable to severe complications from respiratory illness include infants, seniors, those who are immunocompromised and those with certain chronic medical conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Dr. Lannom suggests that those with mild to moderate cases treat symptoms with over-the-counter fever-reducing medications, such as acetaminophen, drink plenty of fluids and rest. Those at greater risk for complications may also benefit from antiviral medication such as Ribavirin for RSV, Tamiflu for flu and Paxlovid for COVID. However, there is a window of time following symptom onset in which these drugs will be helpful for flu and COVID, ranging from one to five days depending upon the virus-specific medication.

While antibiotics are not used to treat viral infections, Dr. Lannom notes that some of the symptoms associated with viral infections, including increased mucus production, may lead to bacterial infections so it is important to closely monitor symptoms and seek medical attention if they worsen.

If the symptoms worsen, seek medical attention through your primary care provider, a walk-in clinic or, in severe cases, an emergency department. Symptoms that may indicate you need emergency care include:

Adults

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

Persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

Persistent dizziness, confusion, inability to rouse from sleep

Seizures

Not urinating

Severe muscle pain

Severe weakness or unsteadiness

Fever or cough that improve but then return or worsen

Worsening of chronic medical conditions

Children

Fast breathing or trouble breathing

Bluish lips or face

Ribs pulling in with each breath

Chest pain

Severe muscle pain (child refuses to walk)

Dehydration (no urine for eight hours, dry mouth, no tears when crying)

Not alert or interacting when awake

Seizures

Fever above 104 degrees Fahrenheit that is not controlled by fever-reducing medicine

In children younger than 12 weeks, a temperature greater than 100.4 degrees

Fever or cough that improve but then return or worsen

Worsening of chronic medical conditions

“These symptoms are not all inclusive,” said Dr. Lannom. “If you or your child have symptoms that are severe or concerning, seek immediate medical care.”

For more information about Maury Regional Health’s emergency, urgent and primary care locations, visit MauryRegional.com.