By NATE KING
Salina Post
Respiratory syncytial virus, RSV, COVID-19 and the seasonal flu, these three diseases are being commonly referred to as "the tripledemic." Hospitals and health centers all over the country are experiencing this triple threat, and according to Dr. Rob Freelove, chief medical officer for Salina Regional Health Center, RSV cases in Salina are lessening.
"In the last couple of weeks we have seen less of RSV and more seasonal flu, COVID-19, and other respiratory illness cases," Freelove said.
Freelove also said that the health center's urgent care unit and STAT Care center were seeing more than 120 patients daily. That number is nearly double what the hospital sees in urgent care and STAT Care on a "normal day." The higher patient volume also is creating wait times that can exceed five hours, he said.
"The most important things I can say are things I have said for the past two years, wear a mask if you are going to be in a crowded indoor area, wash your hands, avoid touching your face, and talk with your primary care doctor about getting the COVID-19 vaccine," said Freelove.
As of Dec. 19, the seven-day average COVID-19 case count for Saline County is 14 cases per day. The seven-day average at the end of December last year was also 14 cases per day. Freelove mentioned that he is concerned about the level of cases Saline County might see in January and February.
Freelove implored people in the community to seek out the most appropriate level of care and contact their primary care physician if it is not an emergency.