JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – UF Health, Baptist Health, Ascension St. Vincent’s, Memorial Hospital and Orange Park Medical are all dealing with patients suffering from the flu, COVID, or respiratory syncytia virus — commonly known as RSV.
As we approach Christmas and new year’s, it should come as little surprise that medical experts say numbers of reported cases could worsen as friends and families gather together. Jacksonville Clinical Research Director Dr. Michael Koren said he’s been receiving hospital status reports on infection spikes.
“All the hospitals are just packed right now,” Koren said. “There are waiting times to get into the hospital emergency room. And hospital administrators have been sending out information to all the physicians about trying to get people out of the hospital as quickly as possible.”
Koren said that while some patients are coming in with only the flu, COVID or RSV, there are some patients who are testing positive for two of those viruses at the same time.
“You get hit by two different viruses and your immune system doesn’t necessarily react to them at the same time,” Koren explained.
He recommends social distancing during holiday gatherings — staying about four to six feet away from others.
“Especially people you don’t know. And certainly, people who seem symptomatic,” he said.
Koren says if you’re not vaccinated against COVID or the flu, you should strongly consider getting a shot. If you are vaccinated and boosted, but it’s been a while since you had a booster shot, consult with your physician to see if it’s appropriate to get another booster, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition that could worsen as a result of a COVID infection.
As for RSV, that’s a different problem that doctors are still trying to address.
“RSV does not have a vaccine, but we are working with that in clinical trials,” Koren said. “And that is an interesting virus because we didn’t think it was a real big problem because most people got it when they were young and we thought they were protected during our lifetime, but there are different strains of that virus, and as you get older, you become vulnerable again.”
Medical experts say proper handwashing is vital when it comes to stopping the spread of these viruses, especially after shaking someone’s hand.
“Somebody touches their face or coughs in their hand and then shake your hand, you’re going to get that infection,” Koren said. “So please, wash your hands frequently.”
Ascension St. Vincent’s Hospital released a statement that reads:
“Over the last few weeks, Ascension St. Vincent’s has seen a notable increase in cases of influenza, RSV, and COVID-19. We encourage everyone to talk to their doctor and get vaccinated for the flu and COVID-19 if they’re able to do so. As the CDC notes, people with cold-like symptoms should ideally not interact with kids at high risk for severe RSV disease, including premature infants, children younger than two years old with chronic lung or heart conditions, and children with weakened immune systems.”