2022- Week 2 Respiratory Update

COVID19 Data Dashboard: COVID-19 Data — Jefferson County Health Department (jeffcohealth.org)

Influenza Data Dashboard: Flu Season Info — Jefferson County Health Department (jeffcohealth.org)

Week 2 Respiratory Report: 2022_Week2_JCHDRespiratoryReport.pdf (squarespace.com)

Influenza Summary: (Sara Wilton, Epidemiologist)

During Week 2, an additional 56 flu cases were added to our data, 40 of which occurred in Week 2. This brings our total number of flu cases this season 897. Our influenza cases decreased again this past week. Influenza A (H3N2) continues to be the dominant strain circulating in our county making up 93% of our cases.

We recently added am influenza data dashboard to our website which can be found here: https://www.jeffcohealth.org/flu-season-info

Flu vaccination is the best way to prevent the spread of flu. CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccine especially those at a higher risk of serious complications. As of Week 12, no new influenza deaths have been reported. So far, this flu season, we have reported one flu death in the county.  

COVID-19 Summary: (Sara Wilton, Epidemiologist)

This week the county remains in the RED/highest transmission level with a weekly case count of 2,766 confirmed and probable cases. This is a slight decrease in weekly cases from Week 1, however, we do know that difficulty finding testing and the increased use of home tests could be affecting this number. Our percent positivity in Week 2 increased from 34.97% to 36.13%.

Of the 2,766 new cases reported in Week 1, 62.08% were unvaccinated, 30.15% were fully vaccinated, and 7.77% were fully vaccinated AND boosted. This data shows the effectiveness of vaccination and booster doses against contracting COVID-19. We strongly encourage individuals who are eligible for a booster dose, get that as soon as possible.

53.25% of Jefferson County residents have initiated COVID vaccination, while 48.57% have completed the full series. The percentage of residents who have received a third dose or booster vaccine is 16.93%. Though we are seeing an increase in cases and positivity rate over the last few weeks, we have not seen an increase in our vaccination rate. Vaccination is our best prevention measure because it prevents severe illness and death.

• Total Cases: 45,545

• Total Deaths: 406

  • 8 additional deaths since last report, all community based

    • Female, 40’s

    • Female, 50’s

    • 2 Males, 50’s

    • Male, 60’s

    • 2 Male, 70’s

    • Female, 80’s

Week 1 Respiratory Update

COVID19 Data Dashboard: COVID-19 Data — Jefferson County Health Department (jeffcohealth.org)

Week 1 Respiratory Report: 2022_Week1_JCHDRespiratoryReport.pdf (squarespace.com)

Influenza Summary: (Sara Wilton, Epidemiologist)

During Week 1, an additional 113 flu cases were added to our data bringing our total number of flu cases this season to 841. Our influenza cases decreased this past week as did the amount of influenza-like illness reported in emergency departments (as pictured in the Week 1 Respiratory Report on page 4). Influenza A (H3N2) continues to be the dominant strain circulating in our county making up 93% of our cases.

Flu vaccination is the best way to prevent the spread of flu. CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccine, especially those at a higher risk of serious complications. As of Week 1, no new influenza deaths have been reported. So far, this flu season, we have reported one flu death in the county.  

COVID-19 Summary: (Sara Wilton, Epidemiologist)

This week the county remains in the RED/highest transmission level with a weekly case count of 2,806 confirmed and probable cases. This is the highest weekly case count we have ever reported since the beginning of the pandemic. Additional cases are likely to come in for this time frame over the course of the next few days due to reporting delays. Our percent positivity in Week 1 also significantly increased from 27.5 to 34.97%.

Of the 2,806 new cases reported in Week 1, 62.76% were unvaccinated, 30.76% were fully vaccinated, and 6.48% were fully vaccinated AND boosted. This data shows the effectiveness of vaccination and booster doses against contracting COVID-19.

52.87% of Jefferson County residents have initiated COVID vaccination, while 48.19% have completed the full series. The percentage of residents who have received a third dose or booster vaccine is 15.81%. Though we are seeing a significant increase in cases and positivity rate, we have not seen an increase in our vaccination rates. Vaccination is our best prevention measure because it prevents severe illness and death.

-        Total Cases: 43,199

-        Total Deaths: 398

             o     6 additional deaths since last report, 4 community based, 2 LTCF based

§  Female, 50’s

§  Male, 50’s

§  2 Males, 60’s

§  Female, 80’s

§  Male, 80’s

Jefferson County Week 52 Respiratory Update

COVID19 Data Dashboard: COVID-19 Data — Jefferson County Health Department (jeffcohealth.org)

Week 52 Respiratory Report: 2021_Week52_JCHDRespiratoryReport.pdf (squarespace.com)

Influenza Summary: (Sara Wilton, Epidemiologist)

Since Week 50, an additional 384 flu cases were added to our data. We now have 728 total cases of flu with 92% being Type A. Data from our syndromic surveillance system, Essence, has indicated that ED visits for influenza-like illness is increasing (as pictured in the report on page 4). We are seeing flu cases increase across the state as well, however it’s not too late to get a flu vaccine.

The combination of potentially high influenza related hospitalizations and already high covid related hospitalizations, threatens to burden the healthcare systems this winter. We cannot stress enough the importance of vaccinating against both viruses and continuing other prevention measures such as our masking and handwashing. As of Week 52, we are reporting one flu death in Jefferson County; a female in her 30’s.

COVID-19 Summary: (Sara Wilton, Epidemiologist)

This week the county remains in the RED/highest transmission level with a weekly case count of 1,701 confirmed and probable cases. This is highest case number in a week we have seen since the beginning of the pandemic. Our percent positivity in Week 52 also significantly increased from 14.86% to 27.5%.

Of the 1,701 new cases reported in Week 52, 63.14% were unvaccinated. It is important to remember that although we are seeing more cases in vaccinated individuals, many only experience mild symptoms and do not require hospitalization or use of the emergency department. Vaccination is our best prevention measure because it prevents severe illness and death.

Covid-like illness is a separate query in our Essence system, and while it isn’t pictured in the report, it is something we monitor. ED visits for covid like illness ranged from 12 to 35 visits per day last week.

52.51% of Jefferson County residents have initiated COVID vaccination, while 47.77% have completed the full series. The percentage of residents who have received a third dose or booster vaccine is 14.64%.

• Total Cases: 40,550

• Total Deaths: 392

  • 14 additional deaths since last report, 12 community based, 2 LTCF based

    • Female, 40’s

    • Male, 50’s

    • 4 Females, 60’s

    • 4 Females, 70’s

    • 2 Males, 70’s

    • 2 Females, 80’s

Jefferson County Week 50 Respiratory Update

This report includes data on both influenza and COVID for Week 50. Jefferson County Health Department (JCHD) monitors influenza and other respiratory pathogens, including COVID-19, throughout Jefferson County, Missouri.

JCHD conducts influenza surveillance using passive surveillance and syndromic surveillance. Although influenza illness can occur year-round, the seasonal influenza reporting begins on the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Week 40 of a given year and continues through MMWR Week 20 of the following calendar year. COVID-19 surveillance began in March 2020 and has been ongoing. COVID-19 data reflects cases that are entered into Missouri’s communicable disease database. Vaccination data for COVID-19 is reported to the Jefferson County Health Department weekly by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MO DHSS). All data and information are conditional and may change as more reports are received.

COVID19 Data Dashboard: COVID-19 Data — Jefferson County Health Department (jeffcohealth.org)

Week 50 Respiratory Report: 2021_Week50_JCHDRespiratoryReport.pdf (squarespace.com)

Due to offices being closed next week, we will not have a Week 51 respiratory update, however, data can be found on the state website here: Health Metrics - County/Jurisdiction | COVID-19 Outbreak | Health & Senior Services (mo.gov)

As the holiday season approaches, JCHD encourages individuals to follow respiratory illness prevention measures. These include frequent handwashing especially before eating or serving food, wear a mask, communicate with friends and family about the safety precaution you are taking, and get vaccinated against the flu COVID if possible. For more information visit: Holiday Tips (cdc.gov)

Influenza Summary: (Sara Wilton, Epidemiologist)

This week, an additional 219 flu cases were added to our data. We now have 344 total cases of flu (190 were last week alone). Based on the previous few weeks of drastic increases, it appears we are on our way to an early peak this flu season. We really haven’t seen a peak this early in the season since the 2017-2018 flu season in which the predominant strain was H3N2, the same that is primarily circulating so far this year.

To give a little background, 2017-2018 was a record setting year in terms of flu related hospitalizations and pediatric deaths across the US (adult flu deaths are not nationally reportable, but they are reportable in Missouri). The combination of potentially high influenza related hospitalizations and already high covid related hospitalizations, threatens to burden the healthcare systems this winter. We cannot stress enough the importance of vaccinating against both viruses and continuing other prevention measures such as our masking and handwashing. No influenza associated deaths have been reported in the county as of Week 49.

COVID-19 Summary: (Sara Wilton, Epidemiologist)

This week the county remains in the RED/highest transmission level with a weekly case count of 909 confirmed and probable cases. Our weekly number of COVID cases and our percent positivity both increased from Week 49 to Week 50.

Of the 909 new cases reported in Week 50, 76.6% were unvaccinated. 51.87% of Jefferson County residents have initiated COVID vaccination, while 47.04% have completed the full series. The percentage of residents who have received a third dose or booster vaccine is 12.64%.

• Total Cases: 37,701

• Total Deaths: 378

  •  7 additional deaths since last report, 4 community based, 3 LTCF based

    • 2 Males, 70’s

    • Female, 70’s

    • 2 Males, 80’s

    • Female, 80’s

    • Male, 90’s

Conquering Holiday Stress as a Family

With winter break fast approaching and many holidays looming it can be a stressful and overwhelming time for anyone. Children are no exception. There are a lot of fun activities and events going on at school and in the community. With packed holiday schedules children may have their bedtimes pushed back, routine disrupted, and may be overstimulated. However, we can set the whole family up for a great holiday season by trying out these several different tips!

Be kind to yourself

Don’t forget to take time for yourself to relax and decompress so stress and anxiety doesn’t build up in your house. You can help show positive examples for how to respond to holiday stress. If you are feeling stress or on edge your children may pick up on it. During the season of giving, it is okay to take a moment for yourself!

Keep a schedule

With time off school your family may be tempted to stay up late or sleep in but switching up sleeping routines too drastically can affect your child’s mood. Aside from special occasions, like New Year’s Eve, try sticking to their normal bedtime routine or at least stay within an hour or so of normal bedtime. This can ensure kids get enough sleep and can help them transition back into school mode after the New Year.

This is the time of year where our schedules can be easily filled of activities, school functions, family events, and more. Over scheduling can disrupt normal routines, cause more stress, and may make the holidays less fun rather than more fun. Children may also have a high expectation on activities they want to complete. One way to make sure no one gets burnt out is to sit down as a family and discuss a number of activities you can complete. It’s okay to not do everything! If your children have realistic expectations up front they will be less likely to h

With this hectic time of year, making time for peace and quiet becomes even more important. This could be right before bedtime or after a rambunctious event. Some quiet time can help ensure your kids don’t get too overstimulated and can provide an opportunity of togetherness. Try watching a movie as a family or reading books while snuggled up.

Resist the sweets

Who doesn’t love grandma’s homemade sugar cookies or a second helping of honey glazed ham?? Holiday events go hand in hand with many holiday treats and meals. However, this change in diet can contribute to unwanted stress, anxiety, and breakdowns is your child’s diet. It is all too easy to fill up on extra sugary holiday snacks or not eat full healthy meals. The high sugar can affect everyone’s mood and cause unneeded mood swings. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have any sweets! Instead, try packing healthy snacks on the go, or offer additional healthy snacks at home like apple slices, cheese and crackers, or air-popped popcorn and limit cookies and candy to after a meal or after a snack.

Get those body’s moving

It is easy to forget about getting some physical activity with the shorter days, colder temps, and holiday events. But this is one of the best ways to alleviate stress! Try to make time for the whole family to just run around and play. Getting your body moving can naturally alleviate stress, help burn off high calorie holiday meals, and ensure that kids have time to just be themselves. Take a stroll around the neighborhood to admire all the holiday decorations or find a holiday themed workout video on Youtube the whole family will enjoy! (We personally like this one - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-FztvrKuyE)

For more tips on how to manage stress during the holiday in yourself and your children check out these websites!

• https://www.verywellfamily.com/holiday-stress-and-anxiety-in-children-620516

• https://childmind.org/article/how-to-take-the-stress-out-of-the-holidays/

• https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/7-ways-prevent-holiday-stress-children-2017112812809

• https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/4-mindful-tips-to-destress-this-holiday-season

• https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20047544

About the Author:

Megan Winkelmann has been a Community Health Educator with the Jefferson County Health Department for just over two years. She attended Truman State University earning a bachelor’s degree in Health Science with a minor in Biology. While working for JCHD she attended A.T. Still University to earn her master’s degree in Public Health. Megan was born and raised in Jefferson County and enjoys creating programs that encourage healthy habits in the place she was raised. Megan likes to spend her free in time in the presence of family and friends.

MCH Publicity Statement: This project is/was funded in part by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Maternal and Child Health Services Contract #AOC18380095, and is/was supported by the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant #B04MC30623, Maternal and Child Health Services for $12,107,084, of which $0 is from non-governmental sources.  This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.