BY RACHEL DOVE
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — Inez family physician Don Chaffin says that in his 40 years of practice, he has never personally seen such a large number of positive Flu A cases in such a short timeframe as he has seen within the last two weeks.
Chaffin said his office is also seeing an influx of RSV cases.
Chaffin and the Martin County Rural Health Clinic in Inez have been slammed with one patient after another coming to be tested for the flu. According to the doctor, the majority of those patients have received positive results.
“It’s spreading like wildfire throughout the school system,” Chaffin said. “And when the kids get sick, it typically goes through the entire family before it’s done.”
Chaffin noted that in 2021 and 2020, concern was focused on the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Those numbers are thankfully dropping for now, but we are faced with a high number of Flu A cases which affects the upper respiratory system and is especially hard on the elderly, the very young and those with underlying medical conditions and compromised immune systems. RSV, usually seen in younger patients, is highly contagious, and we are seeing an increase of that in our adult population.”
Chaffin encourages residents to speak with their physician or the health department about acquiring a flu shot, saying it’s one of the most important defenses against the illness that, in some cases, may require hospitalization.
“For those who are elderly, I continue to recommend wearing a mask when you are going to be in a crowd or think you may be around anyone that’s sick,” said Chaffin. “Above all, wash your hands often, sneeze or cough into your elbow and avoid touching your face because that’s the fastest way to spread germs that you have picked up on your hands. Your eyes, nose and mouth are direct pathways for a viral infection to enter your system.”
Martin County Schools Superintendent Larry James said multiple cases of influenza, stomach virus and RSV had been reported in the school system, with all five county schools affected.
As of Tuesday, the attendance rate had dropped to 89%. Should it decline to 82%, James said the district would have no choice but to close for a couple of days. With the Thanksgiving holiday next week, the superintendent is hopeful that attendance will stay at the current number or increase.
“Right now, we are sending students home if they become ill, and our teachers and other staff members are disinfecting as much as possible to decrease the spread of germs,” said James. “I’m hoping that being off for a four-day stretch will give everyone a chance to get to feeling better. It will also be days we can use to deep clean the schools.”
Chaffin stressed the need to get tested for flu if symptoms develop.
“Try to limit where you go and avoid direct contact with other family members if possible,” added Chaffin. “Stay home until you are better and fever-free for at least 24 hours.”