PADUCAH — Respiratory illness cases are rising statewide and nationally. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that just 17% of adults and 8% of children are getting the most recent COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC also said hospitalizations have jumped 200% for flu, 51% for COVID-19 and 60% for RSV.
As of two weeks ago, there were 345 hospitalizations from COVID-19 across the entire state of Kentucky, Purchase District Health Department Director Kent Koster said. Of those patients, 53 were in intensive care units, and nine were on ventilators.
In its most recent COVID-19 report, PDHD reported one hospitalization in the Purchase District from Dec. 7 to Dec. 13. That case is in McCracken County.
During that same period, the health department reported 116 new cases in its five counties, including 99 in McCracken, two in Ballard, two in Carlisle, four in Fulton, and nine in Hickman.
Koster shared state data showing the percentage of people who have had at least one COVID-19 vaccine in several west Kentucky counties, including some in the Purchase District. Those percentages include 77% in McCracken County, 42.6% in Ballard County, 45.6% in Carlisle County, 41.62% in Fulton County, 53.4% in Graves County, 61.83% in Marshall County and 55.19% in Calloway County.
The director said the health department is not seeing the COVID-19 vaccination numbers it had hoped for. However, many people have been getting vaccinated for the flu.
"The percentage of people who are getting the new vaccine is much less than the percentage of people who received the first initial dose or the boosters," Koster said.
Kent Koster
Koster said COVID-19 strands change, so getting the newest vaccine is essential. He said one reason case numbers are higher is the holiday season.
"With the weather, you know, it's bringing more people inside. The shopping, ball games … family gatherings, so, you know, we're seeing a lot of increase because there's more people that are getting closer together," said Koster.
Flu and RSV cases are climbing as well. Baptist Health Paducah Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Brad Housman said the hospital has seen elevated but steady numbers of all three illnesses for the past four weeks.
"Be diligent about hand washing. In certain folks, in certain populations, masking may be still appropriate, especially if you or one of your loved ones has some high-risk health conditions," said Housman.
Housman urges everyone to get vaccinated, but if symptoms of respiratory illnesses arise, it's time for a doctor's office visit.
Baptist Health Paducah Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Brad Housman
"If you are experiencing respiratory symptoms — so, runny nose, cough, et cetera — it's probably a good idea to be evaluated by your primary care provider or one of the community urgent cares," said Housman.
Doctors and health workers are preparing for a peak of all three illnesses in January. Housman said if you experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, it's time to go to the emergency room.
The CDC said that nationally, only 16% of people aged 60 or older have gotten the RSV vaccine.
Koster noted that it isn't too late to get flu vaccines.
