University of Wisconsin Health reported the highest rate of hospitalizations for influenza in the past three years last week, with 48 admissions as of Tuesday.
Approximately 40% of patients tested for influenza by UW Health were positive last week, up from 33% on Jan. 25, Emily Greendonner, UW Health’s press secretary, told The Daily Cardinal in an email.
“UW Health has the capacity for this increase in hospitalizations, but it is important for the community to be aware of these trends,” Dr. Daniel Shirley, UW Health’s medical director of infection prevention, said in a press release.
The Wisconsin Department of Health reported that statewide respiratory illness activity remains very high. As of Tuesday, COVID-19 activity appeared to be moderate but decreasing, influenza activity was very high and increasing and RSV activity was high and stable.
All three viruses display symptoms such as fatigue, fever and coughing. Shirley emphasized the importance of vaccinations against the viruses and said it was not too late to get vaccinated for RSV, influenza and COVID-19.
It takes a few weeks to build up immunity, but getting the vaccine now will still grant protection, Shirley said. He also noted that over-the-counter tests are available for flu and COVID-19.
This winter, University Health Services (UHS) has seen a slightly higher rate (1.8%) of respiratory illness in its primary care clinic than this time last year, UHS Director of Medical Services Andrew O’Donnell told the Cardinal in an email. He emphasized that antibiotics do not treat the flu or other viral illnesses.
Influenza and Covid-19 will not spread as fast in a highly immunized population, according to UHS.
Visit vaccines.gov to find a nearby vaccination location.
UHS encourages those experiencing the following symptoms to call 608-265-5600 for further guidance.
- Fever higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit or 38.3 degrees Celsius.
- Cough that is painful, getting worse or lasts longer than two weeks.
- Sore throat lasting longer than three days or making it difficult to swallow.
