The Current: Monthly provider updates from Island County Community & Family Health - December 2022
Island County, Washington sent this bulletin at 12/12/2022 03:15 PM PSTHaving trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.
A monthly newsletter for healthcare providers from Island County Community & Family Health. December 2022 Respiratory Illness Guidance and ResourcesUpdate 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
Social Media OutreachPlease consider posting and sharing social media posts on respiratory illnesses.
Example: Know when to seek help for respiratory illness.
Have a topic suggestion? Get in touch! Send your ideas and feedback to j.krenz@islandcountywa.gov |