The three main respiratory diseases: Covid-19, flu, and RSV are still gripping the country and doctors are seeing lots of cases here in Montgomery County.
A week ago, there was a spike in cases and hospitalizations. However that trend is currently heading in the other direction.
Montgomery County Health Officer, Dr. Kisha Davis, said as of Wednesday, “While the three main respiratory diseases are still very active, Covid-19, influenza, and RSV, transmission rates and hospital visits have all sharply decreased over the past week. As we’ve seen in previous years, there is a possibility of a bounce back since students have returned to school following the winter break and snow days.”
Update on Cases and Hospitalizations
The cumulative case rate for Covid-19 is currently 32.9 for every 100,000 residents. That is down significantly from last week when the case rate was 44.5 for every 100,000 residents.
While the situation in the County has stabilized, transmission rates are still elevated across Maryland for all three respiratory viruses.
Last week, hospitals treated 415 people across the state for Covid-19. The figure now stands at 341.
Here in the County, hospitals treated 87 patients for Covid-19 last week. As of Monday, that number dropped and only 57 people are undergoing treatment.
Covid-19 Remains Deadly
Two weeks ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported Covid-19 is killing about 1,500 Americans every week. This is happening despite the availability of vaccines and widespread information about the virus.
Davis said people are not taking advantage of the tools that exist to protect themselves against Covid-19 and other respiratory viruses.
“National vaccination rates for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV remains low for children and adults. Vaccines are available and can help protect people from the most serious health effects of fall and winter viruses. It’s not too late to get them and they still will offer benefit for the rest of the season. It is important to remember, that while most folks have a mild course of COVID-19, it is still more deadly than flu. Those who are elderly or have weakened immune systems should continue to be cautious and get vaccinated,” Davis said.
Masks Recommeded for People at Risk
Health officials also recommend people at risk wear masks to protect themselves. This week Johns Hopkins announced its hospitals and doctor’s offices will require patients to wear masks again because of the increase in flu and Covid-19 cases. The University of Maryland medical system also is requiring visitors to use masks.
