01/10/2025
For Immediate Release
January 10, 2025
Contact: Jen Rini | jennifer@deha.org | 856-912-2933
Delaware Hospitals Caution of Seasonal Increase in Respiratory Illness
Raise Importance of Vaccination and Appropriate Utilization of Healthcare Facilities
(Dover, DE – January 10, 2025) The Delaware Healthcare Association today issued a statement on behalf of their hospital members urging precautions to prevent respiratory illness and reminding patients where to seek care.
Hospitals expect to see a surge in respiratory illness during the winter season and are ready to care for Delawareans in need. If you’re not feeling well, first reach out to your primary care provider or visit an urgent care to address your condition. If it is an emergency, go to your nearest emergency department or dial 9-1-1. Knowing where to go for care and ensuring that the hospital emergency department is only used for emergencies will help you get the right care at the right time and can help everyone avoid long wait times.
“Meeting the needs of all patients is the number one priority of our hospitals. To prevent the spread of illness, we cannot stress enough the importance of getting vaccinated against flu, COVID-19, and if applicable, RSV. We also recommend preventative measures like frequent handwashing, maintaining social distance, wearing a face mask that covers both your nose and mouth, and staying home when sick,” said
Megan McNamara Williams, DNP, FNP-C, FAANP, DHA’s Vice President of Clinical Affairs & Operations.
As of Jan. 3, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has
classified overall respiratory illness activity in the U.S. as “high,” and emergency department visits for flu and respiratory syncytial virus as “very high.”
Visit the CDC’s website for updates.
About the Delaware Healthcare Association
The Delaware Healthcare Association (DHA) was formed in 1967 and is a statewide trade and membership services organization that represents and serves hospitals, health systems, and related healthcare organizations in their role of providing a continuum of appropriate, cost-effective, quality care to improve the health of the people of Delaware. DHA’s mission is to provide policy and advocacy leadership in creating an excellent environment to support our members in helping every Delawarean to be as healthy as they can be.
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