The number of hospital admissions for the flu increased 500% at Butler Memorial Hospital in the last three months of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, according a chief medical officer at Independence Health System.

“Right now, flu seems to be more prominent than RSV or COVID, but that can fluctuate,” said Dr. Michael Fiorina, who directs care at Butler and Clarion hospitals.

According to the latest information from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, 891 cases of influenza and 440 cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus, known as RSV, were reported in Butler County over the cold and flu season, between Oct. 1, 2023, and Jan. 6.

In the last three months of 2022, there were 12 patients hospitalized and treated for the flu. In 2023, during that same time frame, there were 60, according to Fiorina.

Along with the rest of state, Butler County has experienced a rise in influenza and RSV this winter. There have been 59,481 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases and 40,344 laboratory-confirmed RSV cases this flu season in Pennsylvania, according to the state Department of Health.

“We had a maximum of 20 flu inpatients in December, but those numbers are now in the single digits,” Fiorina said. “We currently have 10 COVID inpatients.”

The increase in travel during the winter months along with the cold temperatures and reduction in natural sun light contribute to the increased risk of contracting influenza, RSV and COVID, Fiorina said.

“There are a multitude of reasons for spikes to occur this time of year,” he said. “Obviously when the weather is nicer, people are more likely to be outdoors and not congregating as closely. In the cold and wet weather, we tend to crowd together indoors and increase the likelihood of exposing each other to germs.”

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat and sometimes lungs.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu viruses spread mainly by tiny droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people nearby.

A person can also contract the virus by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose or possibly their eyes, according to the CDC website.

RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms that spreads through contact with droplets from the nose and throat of infected people when they cough and sneeze.

It also can spread through dried respiratory secretions on bedding and similar items. Direct contact with the virus can also spread it, according to the CDC.

RSV and the flu can be life-threatening to older adults and people with compromised immune systems.

“Fortunately, as of this moment, there have been no flu, RSV or COVID deaths in the months of December and January,” Fiorina said.

Dr. Brian Donnelly, a pediatrician with the Allegheny Health Network Pediatrics in Seven Fields and Cranberry Township, said he has seen more cases of influenza B than A.

“In previous years, influenza A was the one that started the season, so to speak, and then influenza B came in the later months, February and March,” Donnelly said. “It’s actually been more (influenza) B so far this year.”

There are four types of influenza viruses: A, B, C and D. Influenza A and B viruses cause seasonal epidemics of disease in people almost every winter in the United States, according to the CDC.

Influenza A viruses are the only influenza viruses known to cause flu pandemics.

“Usually (influenza) A is more severe,” Donnelly said. “(Influenza) B tends to give you more intestinal symptoms.”

Fiorina said the best way to avoid spreading the flu is to stay home if you feel ill.

He also suggests covering your mouth and nose if you sneeze or cough; washing your hands regularly; avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth; cleaning and disinfecting surfaces; and eating a healthy diet and getting more exercise.

Fiorina also recommends getting vaccinated.

“It is well established that flu and COVID shots do not provide 100% prevention on 100% of the people who receive them,” Fiorina said. “It is also well established that you have a reduced chance of getting sick, and if you do get sick you have a reduced risk of hospitalization or death. We literally have hundreds of millions of people worldwide who have received flu and COVID shots, so the data is very robust.”

Donnelly also emphasized the importance of limiting exposure around the elderly if you feel ill.

“The elderly population is more likely to be hospitalized and have more complications from influenza,” Donnelly said. “There have been epidemiological studies showing that elderly people contracted influenza from their little ones.”

Symptoms can last anywhere from 4 to 14 days depending on the virus.

“Everyone is different, but on average most flu symptoms last 4 to 7 days,” Fiorina said. “On average, COVID symptoms start 5 to 6 days post exposure and last up to 14 days, although some symptoms, like loss of smell, can last for months to years. RSV symptoms on average can last 7 to 14 days.”

If one does have symptoms of the flu, RSV or COVID, Fiorina recommends rest and hydration.

“My best advice is if you are a healthy person, drink a lot of fluids, get a lot of rest and stay home until you feel better,” Fiorina said. “Do not insist on unnecessary or unneeded treatments as they are of no benefit.”

If symptoms do not clear up within the two weeks or the condition worsens, Fiorina suggests that is when to see the doctor.

“You should also see a physician if you have a fever that is not responding to acetaminophen, unable to keep fluids or food down, have chest pain or are getting light headed and/or dizzy,” Fiorina said. “If you are ever in doubt, get seen by your doctor.”