Flu making comeback as trifecta of respiratory viruses arrives

Nearly a third of Diamond Valley Elementary School’s students were out sick on Thursday, which Alpine County Public Health Officer Dr. Richard Johnson said was well above the level of concern.

There are at least three different respiratory viruses making their way through the region, including influenza, coronavirus and the latest thing, respiratory syncytial virus.

Carson Tahoe Emergent Care Dr. Dale Carrison said Friday that the number of influenza A cases locally in kids (mostly) and adults is dramatically higher than RSV.

“My last two shifts I saw two RSV cases and 18 influenza cases," he said Friday afternoon. "The number of Influenza A cases are the highest I have seen in over 32 years of practice. RSV is also here, but minor compared to the flu."

Mono County has recently seen a surge in both influenza and RSV.

“The winter viruses have arrived earlier than expected and are trending to remain active longer than usual this winter season,” said Mono County Health Officer Dr. Caryn Slack. “A triple threat of flu, COVID-19, and RSV has descended upon Mono County, and simple proactive measures can help prevent and reduce local spread.”

Mono County Public Health is anticipating an additional increase in coronavirus. infection heading into the holiday season.

Carson City Health and Human Services reported 49 respiratory syncytial virus cases from Nov. 27 through Dec. 3 in Carson City, Douglas, and Lyon counties, bringing the total number of cases since the beginning of October to 225.

The number of cases that have been reported to health district is about 7 percent higher this year compared to the same timeframe last year.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults.

Several respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, flu, and the common cold are spreading. It is possible to contract more than one respiratory illness at a time and recovering from one does not provide protection against other respiratory illnesses.

Take the following steps to help prevent the spread of viruses:

• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper shirt sleeve, not your hands.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

• Avoid close contact, such as kissing, shaking hands, and sharing cups and eating utensils with others.

• Clean frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs with a household disinfectant and mobile devices with an alcohol wipe.