Flu, Respiratory Illnesses Increasing In Rhode Island

Influenza activity has increased in Rhode Island.

COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus activity also were on the rise in the Ocean State, according to the latest state data.

Brown University Health moved to respiratory virus status yellow across all its facilities in Rhode Island and Massachusetts due to "high community transmission rates of influenza and other respiratory viruses."

Related: RI Flu Cases Rising As New Variant Spreads

The move, which requires patients, visitors and staff to wear Level 2 surgical masks during direct patient care, was also prompted by a high number of emergency department patients diagnosed with respiratory viral infections and increased hospital admissions related to respiratory viral illness, including hospital-acquired infections, according to Brown University Health.

There were 39 influenza-related hospital admissions the week of Dec. 13, up from 12 the previous week. COVID-19 hospital admissions were at 23 the week of Dec. 13, up from 19 the previous week, according to state data.

Related: New Flu Mutation Causes Severe Illness: See Latest RI Data

There have been four Rhode Island flu deaths this season, according to the state.

More than 300,000 Rhode Islanders have received the flu vaccine this season, state data shows.

Related: Rhode Island Gov. McKee Gets COVID-19 And Flu Shots

Rhode Island Health Department Director Dr. Jerry Larkin encouraged Ocean Staters to get vaccinated.

"Getting vaccinated is one of the best things you can do to keep yourself and the people in your life safe from respiratory illnesses this holiday season," Larkin said in a media release.

Related: Get A Flu Shot, Says Rhode Island Health Czar

"It's also very important to stay home if you start to feel sick, both now and on the holidays," Larkin said. "This is especially true if you plan to visit older adults or people with underlying health issues."

Rhode Island emergency rooms typically see an increase in COVID-19, influenza and RSV rates during the holidays. This year’s flu season could be more serious due to a new Influenza H3N2 mutation known as “subclade K,” which is spreading in North America, including the United States.

Related: 'Razor Blade Throat' COVID Subvariant Emerges: What To Know In RI