Disease Burden of Flu - Credit CDC
#16,298
While one outbreak does not a flu season make, the University of Rhode Island (URI) is reporting an increase in flu-positive students, along with an increase in COVID cases, raising concerns over the potential for seeing the co-circulation of flu and COVID this winter.
A report from FOX News affiliate WFVX Bangor provides the headline.
Rhode Island’s first 2021 influenza outbreak confirmed
A cluster of 28 students tested positive for influenza A since Oct. 24 at the University of Rhode Island
Read Full Article
The article indicates preliminary testing shows an H3 influenza, and samples have been sent to the CDC for further analysis.
While the Rhode Island Department of Health hasn't posted anything about this outbreak (yet), the University of Rhode Island issued the following statement late yesterday which cites a `significant increase' in confirmed influenza cases and indicates that their ability to provide timely health services to students is increasingly strained.
I'll have a postscript after the break.
Community members required to wear masks indoors and encouraged to limit exposure to others
November 4, 2021
URI Health Services has seen a significant increase in the number of confirmed influenza cases and those who have influenza-like illness. In addition, yesterday we noted a jump in the number of positive COVID-19 cases, 32 in the past 7 days for a 1.6% positivity rate.
Our Health Services team has surpassed its capacity to meet the requests for same-day service despite increased staffing. We are seeing students as quickly as we can and understand there may be a several day wait for an appointment. If this trend continues, we will be faced with difficult decisions regarding additional restrictions. Now is the time to commit to the steps necessary to decrease transmission of these viruses in our community.
To help keep yourself and the community healthy, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following:
- Get a flu shot. A flu shot is the easiest and most effective way to help prevent the flu. It takes about 2 weeks before you have antibodies for protection. URI has flu clinics weekly, so click here to register for an upcoming clinic (Nov. 11, Nov. 17 or Nov. 22) or visit a local retail pharmacy to get vaccinated.
- Get a COVID-19 vaccination if you are unvaccinated, or get the booster if you have been vaccinated and meet the eligibility criteria. Click here for vaccine information and availability in Rhode Island.
- Stay home from work and school if you are sick or symptomatic.
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow and do not remove your mask to cough or sneeze.
- Wash your hands often throughout the day. Use warm water and soap. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand gel.
- Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.
- Wear a mask indoors while in public spaces.
- Limit your close contacts, particularly if you have any symptoms.
Faculty have been requested to work with students who are unable to attend class due to viral illness and not to require a note for classes missed due to illness.
It is strongly recommended that all vaccinated members of our community participate in weekly surveillance testing at the Memorial Union Atrium. Testing is available at no cost on weekdays. Click here to see the schedule.
We ask all members of the URI community to increase their efforts to adhere to the health and safety guidelines and to practice good hand and respiratory etiquette. We had a very successful first two months of the semester and with a recommitment we can reduce the prevalence of illness in our community. As we approach the upcoming holidays, we would like to encourage anyone traveling to “know before you go” and obtain a COVID test 48 hours prior to your planned travel.
Our thanks to the entire URI community for your efforts to help keep each other and the surrounding community safe.
Although a `twindemic' of influenza and COVID was predicted by some last year, it never materialized, largely due to social distancing, face masks, and other pandemic precautions that were widely observed last winter.
This winter, fewer people are aggressively protecting themselves in those ways, and that gives flu a greater opportunity to spread. To make matters worse, after nearly two years without exposure to seasonal flu, some of our existing immunity has likely waned.
The return of seasonal flu - assuming it happens this winter - would greatly complicate the COVID pandemic response, increase the burden on hospitals and clinics, and add yet another risk factor for developing severe COVID; coinfection with influenza.
Although the lack of influenza last year resulted in relatively few real-world examples (see PHE Study: Co-Infection With COVID-19 & Seasonal Influenza), initial studies suggest that coinfection with both viruses could carry double the risk of dying.
We've seen recent laboratory animal studies that seem to back up that concern (see Nature: Co-infection of SARS-CoV-2 & Influenza Causes More Severe and Prolonged Pneumonia in Hamsters).
How this plays out this winter is anyone's guess, but influenza will return at some point. Probably while COVID is still with us. And so it makes sense to go into this winter as well protected as possible.
I've already gotten my flu shot, and recommend it to others. I'll be getting my COVID booster in the weeks ahead. And I'll continue to wear a face mask in public.
None of which guarantees I'll come through this winter unscathed. But it will significantly improve my chances.
