COVID-19 News - United States: COVID-19 Infections, Hospitalizations And Deaths Continue To Remain High In Indiana State.
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jan 19, 2024 9 months, 3 weeks, 4 days, 20 hours, 10 minutes ago
COVID-19 News - United States: The battle against COVID-19 in Indiana is reaching a critical juncture, as the latest data from the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) reveals that COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths continue to remain at high levels. The state's coronavirus dashboard, updated weekly on Wednesdays, paints a vivid picture of the escalating crisis.
https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/indiana-covid-19-dashboard-and-map/
COVID-19 Infections, Hospitalizations And Deaths Continue To
Remain At High Levels In Indiana State - USA
Rising Death Toll and Probable Deaths
As of Tuesday, Jan. 16, Indiana's COVID-19 death toll has risen to a staggering 26,104, indicating a distressing increase of 126 deaths from the count on Jan. 2. Probable deaths have also surged to 1,421, marking a worrisome rise of 29 within the same period.
Alarming Spike in Positive Cases
The total number of positive cases in Indiana has witnessed an alarming spike, reaching 2,182,123 on Jan. 16, compared to 2,172,359 on Jan. 2. This surge translates to a significant increase of 9,764 cases within a mere two weeks, underscoring the rapid spread of the virus.
Healthcare System Strain
The impact on the healthcare system is palpable, with the state recording a seven-day average of 116 hospital admissions and 520 emergency room visits on Tuesday. While these figures represent a slight decrease from the Jan. 2 statistics, the strain on the healthcare infrastructure remains a cause for significant concern.
https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#maps_new-admissions-percent-change-state
Flu And Other Respiratory Infections Also Rising And Causing Deaths
Latest local
COVID-19 News - United States and flu news coverages show that flu infections and other respiratory infections are also rising ad causing an increase in hospitalizations and also causing deaths. For the week ending Jan. 6, there were 13 influenza-associated deaths in Indiana, bringing the total number this flu season to 45.
https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/01/17/indiana-flu-rates-high-deaths
Visitor Restrictions Implemented in Response to Rising Cases
Responding to the heightened activity of respiratory viruses, including the flu, COVID-19, and RSV, Dr Virginia A. Caine, the director and chief medical officer of the Marion County Public Health Department, made a crucial request in late December 2023. Hospitals in and around the Indianapolis area, including those within Marion County and IU Health, have implemented temporary visitor res
trictions as part of the patient visitor policy of the Indianapolis Coalition for Patient Safety.
Stringent Measures to Protect Vulnerable Patients
The implemented restrictions include several measures aimed at safeguarding the most vulnerable patients:
-No visitors with symptoms of illness such as sudden onset of fever, cough, -headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat, and runny nose.
-No visitors under the age of 18.
-Mask provision for guests, along with adherence to standard practices such as handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes.
Participating Hospitals and IU Health Restrictions
Prominent healthcare institutions participating in these temporary restrictions include the Community Health Network, Franciscan Health Indianapolis, Ascension St. Vincent, Indiana University Health, and Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital.
IU Health, in a corresponding news release, outlines specific restrictions to remain in effect until viral illness rates decline. These include:
-Limiting visitors to two at any one time (exceptions for end-of-life situations).
-Prohibiting visitors younger than 18 years.
-Disallowing visitors with flu-like or COVID-19 symptoms.
-Strongly suggesting masking for visitors due to high levels of circulating viruses.
-Emphasizing the importance of hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette for all entering the healthcare facility.
Vaccination Urgency Amidst Rising Respiratory Viruses
In response to the surge in flu, COVID-19, and RSV, Indiana health officials stress the critical importance of vaccination for all eligible individuals. Vaccines for flu, COVID-19, and RSV are readily available, with updated COVID-19 vaccines recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older.
Importance of Vaccination
Dr Virginia A. Caine underscores the significance of vaccination, stating, "Getting vaccinated for flu helps protect everyone, but especially the very young and those over age 65." Pregnant women and adults aged 60 and older are urged to get vaccinated for RSV.
Call to Check Specific Restrictions
Officials advise potential visitors to check hospital websites or contact facilities in advance to obtain detailed information on specific restrictions, exceptions, and the commencement date of restrictions at each hospital.
Collective Effort in Combatting the Crisis
As Indiana grapples with the relentless surge in COVID-19 cases and other respiratory viruses, these stringent measures aim to safeguard the vulnerable and alleviate the strain on healthcare resources. The collective effort to combat the ongoing public health crisis underscores the gravity of the situation and the imperative for proactive measures in Indiana.
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