The Current: Monthly provider updates from Island County Community & Family Health - December 2022

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current

A monthly newsletter for healthcare providers from Island County Community & Family Health. 

December 2022

Respiratory Illness Guidance and Resources

Update

Communities in Washington and across the US are experiencing a surge in respiratory illness.  Health officers and health care leaders in Washington State are recommending the use of high-quality, well-fitting masks indoors to slow the spread of respiratory viruses.  Read the press release for more information.  

Testing Guidance

CDC provides an algorithm for SARS-CoV-2 and influenza testing when both viruses are circulating. For patients who would benefit from antiviral treatment for influenza, early treatment is essential. As a result, empiric treatment may be preferable; influenza testing may not be necessary in the outpatient setting if it will not change clinical management. Given the lack of available treatment options, RSV testing may not be helpful in the outpatient setting if it will not change clinical management.

Influenza Clinical Guidance

For patients who would benefit from antiviral treatment for influenza, early treatment is essential. As a result, empiric treatment is often preferable (rather than awaiting influenza testing). The resources below provide guidance on influenza treatment for children and adults.

RSV Clinical Guidance

RSV usually causes a mild upper respiratory illness but can cause more serious lower respiratory tract disease in young children, older adults, or adults with chronic medical conditions. In young children, bronchiolitis is a common manifestation of lower respiratory tract disease, though pneumonia can also occur. While there are no directed treatments for RSV infection, eligible infants at higher risk of severe disease should receive palivizumab prophylaxis. The resources below provide further information on clinical management and prophylaxis.

Pediatric Guidance 

AAP does not recommend routine use of antibiotics for viral respiratory illnesses and does not recommend cough and cold medicines be used in young children.

Healthcare Surge Capacity Guidance 

The resources below can help preparation and management of situations in which pediatric healthcare resources are strained.

Surveillance Reports

Most of these webpages are updated weekly.  Please review to keep updated on which viruses are most prevalent.

Other Healthcare Provider Updates

  • For COVID guidance, please visit the ICPH COVID page
  • Evidence that JYNNEOS vaccine protects against monkeypox.  Read the article here.  For other monkeypox updates, please visit the ICPH monkeypox page.
  • Approval of an MMR vaccine: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7146a1.htm

Social Media Outreach

Please consider posting and sharing social media posts on respiratory illnesses.

Example: Know when to seek help for respiratory illness.

recognize

  

Have a topic suggestion? Get in touch! Send your ideas and feedback to j.krenz@islandcountywa.gov