Becky Long
Publisher
If you’ve noticed a lot of sickness lately, you’re right. COVID and flu are among the illnesses afflicting residents.
Clay County has returned to the high transmission rates for COVID which means there is an increased risk of contracting the disease, according to County Health Department Director Clarissa Rogers.
Since the beginning of August, Rogers said there has been close to 200 positive COVID cases reported.
“It would not be possible to give an exact positive count, as rapid tests are easily attainable and can be purchased over-the-counter. Not everyone reports their positive results, making it difficult to acquire truly accurate counts,” Rogers said. “I can say that in the past three months, we have gone from high transmission rates to low transmission rates and back to high. These rates are a reliable indicator of COVID transmission in counties.“
Masking indoors and in crowded settings is one of CDCs recommended protocols to help prevent the spread. It is also important to ensure that COVID vaccines are up to date.
“Vaccines are available for individuals ages 6 months of age and older,” Rogers said. “Please reach out to the health department with any questions/concerns and schedule your shot.”
COVID vaccine administrations are entered into a registry for monitoring purposes. According to the data from the NCDHHS site:
• At least 50 percent of Clay County has been vaccinated with at least one dose.
• 48 percent has been vaccinated with the full initial series.
• Only 9 percent has been fully vaccinated and received the new booster.
Rogers said no new deaths have been reported from COVID, but hospitalizations have been reported.
COVID is not the only respiratory virus circulating at this time, according to Rogers.
“The flu and RSV have both been reported at higher-than-normal rates,” Rogers said. “Flu vaccines are an important mitigation strategy to help prevent the flu. Even if you contract the flu, after vaccination, it helps prevent severe symptoms and hospitalizations.”
The Clay County Health Department has administered 356 flu vaccines this season, since Oct. 1. Last year they administered 400 during the total season.
There are no official means of tracking local flu cases, but from what Rogers has observed, the health department is seeing a lot of it.
“Yes, there has been an increase in flu cases/flu-like illnesses being reported. The state has also reported flu rates being higher than normal this season. Recently, the health department shared a video to our social media page of the State Health Director making a statement urging North Carolinians to get their annual Flu vaccine. “ Visit: https://youtu.be/w224fyIVGwc.
Certain groups are at higher risk for serious illness from flu, including children younger than 5, pregnant women, people over 65 and those with certain chronic medical conditions such as heart or lung disease.
“Last week, NCDHHS announced its first pediatric death and 5 adult deaths related to the flu. Also, emergency departments are seeing strain related to an increase in visits related to flu-like illnesses,” Rogers said.
Many people have also been hearing about Respiratory syncytial virus, which primarily affects children. While the health department does not have the capability to perform in-house laboratory testing for RSV,
Rogers said the state has made announcements regarding the influx of RSV cases. There have been capacity issues in pediatric Intensive Care Units, related to RSV cases, many are full and some are close to max capacity.
Most children by the age of 4 have contracted RSV and have some immunity to the virus, making their cases more mild and less likely to develop serious symptoms/side effects. Although, adults can contract RSV, it is more prevalent in children. “There is no specific treatment for RSV, only symptom management — antiemetics for fevers, fluids, rest, etc.,” said Rogers. “Prevention techniques involve avoiding contact with those who are infected, covering coughs/sneezes, washing your hands, avoiding kissing or sharing utensils with others, etc. Because symptoms can progress rapidly, if you feel you are experiencing symptoms of RSV reach out to your primary care provider for guidance and initiation of proper testing protocol.”
In addition to flu and COVID vaccinations and careful hygiene, Rogers offered this advice: “Remember to stay at home if you are sick. We must all do our part in keeping our family, friends, and community safe. Get your flu shots now if you have not done so, call and schedule your appointment with us today.”
The rate for the inactivated quadrivalent, high-dose flu vaccine is $69.94 plus a $22.17 fee to administer it. However, Health Department Director Clarissa Rogers said flu vaccines are free with most insurance plans. The health department also offers a cash pay option of $35 that includes administering the vaccine.
If you have insurance, the COVID vaccine will be billed to the company, but if you do not, it’s free.
The health department offers vaccinations five days a week. Call 389-8052 for an appointment or if you have questions.