COPENHAGEN — In the north country, three respiratory viruses (influenza, COVID-19 and RSV) plaguing the country are surging, impacting health care providers and schools.
Lewis County had higher than normal cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) two weeks ago, but recently flu and COVID-19, according to Anna M. Pratts, the county’s deputy director of public health, and a nurse at Lewis. An increase of 19 is more concerning. Julie L. Emery, Copenhagen Family Clinic, County Health System.
Health system chief executive Gerald R. Cayer said flu cases fell from 65 in November to 138 in the first week of December, lowering the average number of COVID cases per month. said 52 since September, but 42 new cases have been reported. First week of December.
If the number continues to increase at that rate, he said, there will likely be over 100 cases of COVID in the county by the end of the month.
During the same period, the county averaged about 70 cases of RSV per month. Previously, 10 per month was the norm.
Senator Charles E. Schumer (DNY), who visited a facility in Copenhagen on Saturday, said RSV was responsible for six of the seven pediatric emergency room visits at Samaritan Medical Center last month, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He added that the Samaritans reported 205 flu cases, including 103 children, in November.
Cayer said after the event that there were “virtually no pediatric beds” in the county, making worsening respiratory illness among children a more serious concern.
The senator said RSV is “more frightening than snow. We’re used to snow.” This is because it affects more and more children and the elderly.
Senator Schumer shared his own concerns for the health of his grandchildren who are facing the threat of three viruses, saying: It’s really scary for parents. “
“The good news is[the Department of Health and Human Services]has the tools. No legislation is needed,” he said.
Unlike pre-COVID-19, the department has the capacity to support temporary structures such as increased beds and testing capacity. If enough pediatricians aren’t available, it will provide a “growing number” of doctors, which Schumer said were “already included in federal salaries.” Out-of-state provider credentials. Improving Telemedicine; Supplying Assistance with Her Chain Challenges; Move patients across state lines as needed.
“The Federal Reserve needs to be ready to act quickly. If a hospital … says, ‘I need help,’ tell HHS they’ll be right there, not three weeks later.” I want one,” he said.
However, not only health care providers but also schools in the north have been hit hard by high student and teacher absenteeism.
In Canton Central School District, almost 15% of the student population is dropping out due to respiratory illness, Schumer said.
In Lewis County, many school districts have absenteeism rates above 20%.
Beaver River Central School District superintendent Todd G. Greene said in an email that absenteeism increased significantly in the first two days of the month, resulting in students missing school due to illness, dropping out of the nurse’s office, and dropping out of school. It said it has begun tracking students who have been expelled for unknown reasons. Reason for last week.
About 21.4% (186 students) of these categories were absent on Mondays and Fridays, with some fluctuations during the week, with numbers up to 253 students, or 29% of all students.
Normal absentee rates for all reasons, not just those related to illness, are usually between 5% and 10%, he said.
Headcount was also down about 20% for the week as a whole, which “has had a huge impact on our operations,” Green said.
Between 15 and 19 staff members are in a position requiring replacement, and the replacement is also sick.
According to Green, “that’s where the real problem lies.”
Schools across the county have started school years requiring replacement teachers and bus drivers, reflecting a nationwide shortage.
Green said the remaining staff at Beaver River are “very flexible, but they take time away from preparation and instruction,” adding to the burden on teachers.
Schools are canceling various events due to lack of students and staff.
Copenhagen Central School District Superintendent Scott N. Connell, who attended Mr. Schumer’s press conference, told the senator that 25% of his student population dropped out last week.
The problem is “more teachers than students,” Connell said. “I would like the state to say that we can go to remote areas for a few days. Please clean the building so that everyone is healthy and ready to go back to school.”
Schumer said he supports the idea and plans to discuss it with state-level officials who have the authority to re-enable distance learning.
The actual number of people, whether children or adults, infected with one of the three viruses is likely much higher than the available statistics indicate, Platts said. instead of being tested.
Additionally, data on RSV is held by each hospital or health system, but not tracked by state or federal health departments like COVID-19 or influenza, so data collection for analysis is still large. is not done.
Emery said the best ways to prevent the spread of the virus are the same. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and wash or sanitize your hands. Avoid close contact with sick people and stay home if you feel unwell. Platts recommended eating a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, keeping your immunity high, and wearing a mask to protect yourself and someone in your family from harm.
Almost all flu cases reported in the region this year have been influenza A, and vaccination is a “good match,” she said.
Senator Schumer, who stopped in Lewis County after speaking at the SUNY Oswego commencement, visited all 62 counties in the state at least once a year during his 23-year tenure. He was in St. He in Lawrence County in August and in Jefferson County in June.
