For the first time since the respiratory season began on Sept. 29, the number of reported flu cases in Jefferson County has jumped into the triple digits.
“Respiratory season is in full swing,” according to a Jan. 2 written statement from the Jefferson County Health Department. “Locally we have seen increased cases of COVID and flu in the last week.”
According to the Jefferson County Health Department respiratory report for the week of Dec. 22, there were 108 cases of type A flu and three cases of type B flu. The week saw a large increase from the previous week, when only 50 flu cases were reported, and the week before that, when there were 33 cases.
Brianne Zwiener, spokesperson for the Health Department, said an increase is expected this time of year.
“One, because of holiday travel and gatherings, and two, because this is usually the time of year when we start to see increases in cases before we hit our peak,” she said.
Nearly 87 percent of the 269 flu cases this season have been type A. No outbreaks or deaths have been reported this season in Jefferson County.
So far this respiratory season, flu cases are substantially lower than the previous season, said Dr. Chandra Dommaraju, infectious disease specialist at Mercy Hospital Jefferson in Crystal City.
“But the number of other respiratory viral infections are much higher,” he said. “We’re seeing more RSV, COVID and other viral infections this season.”
The number of COVID cases has been on the rise since December, with 171 cases the week of Dec. 1 and 227 the week of Dec. 22. A total of 1,836 COVID cases have been reported in Jefferson County since Sept. 29.
Dommaraju said pneumonia has been and will continue to be an issue this respiratory season.
“The number of pneumonia cases will go up when flu and other viral infections go up. We’re also seeing more mycoplasma pneumonia (walking pneumonia) this season than I have ever seen. Those are caused by bacteria rather than viruses.”
Dommaraju said the respiratory virus season is just getting started.
“We’re planning to handle more hospitalizations, which we expect to continue for the rest of the season,” he said. “Jefferson County residents can help lessen the impact of respiratory viruses by taking preventative steps. Vaccines are available for flu, RSV and COVID, along with the usual common-sense measures, like hand washing and staying away from others when you’re not feeling well. If you do develop any symptoms, checking with your primary care provider is a great first step to learn about the best treatment options for your specific case.”
