HEALTH

Doctors say Utah ‘not in a good place’ preparing for COVID-19 in the winter months

Nov 12, 2021, 9:48 PM

covid-19 tests utahn died...

File Photo: A long line line of cars waiting for COVID-19 testing in the parking lot across the street from the UDOH main offices. Photo credit: Paul Nelson, August 30, 2021

SALT LAKE CITY – There are some bleak predictions from health care workers in Utah. Doctors say we have “no room for error” when it comes to preparing for the winter months and possible surges of COVID-19 cases. 

Here’s one problem, according to Intermountain Healthcare Infectious Disease Doctor Brandon Webb, hospitals are already seeing a very early start to the pediatric respiratory viral season. Primary Children’s Hospital’s inpatient rate is already at “peak winter volumes,” Webb said.

“We usually don’t see these types of volumes until much later in the winter, when RSV hits its peak,” Webb said.

With health care resources already being strained, Webb says Utah has “no room for error” in prepping for the rise in COVID-19 cases that they expect to see.

“We’re not in a good place going into the winter months, right now.  Our case transmission is still high,” Webb said.

Reasons to be pessimistic

Officials say the ICUs at Intermountain facilities are at or beyond capacity with COVID and non-COVID cases.  They’ve opened more beds in some hospitals, but they’re having trouble finding enough nurses to cover those expanded units.

Here’s another problem, scientists are tracking a shift in surging cases coming from eastern state to western states, similar to what happened in the spring of 2020, Webb said.  In the past few weeks, Idaho saw a severe spike in COVID-19 cases, and Webb said things are getting worse in neighboring Colorado.

“Our neighbors, just to the east of us in Colorado, are seeing a significant upswing.  In fact, they are, right now, having to enact measures to prevent overwhelming the health care system,” he said.

The number of new infections appears to have “steadied” in Utah, however, that isn’t necessarily good news, Webb said.

Webb said, “We’re grateful that we haven’t surged to the degree that we have seen in some of the other states.  At the same time, our ‘steady’ state right now, over the last few weeks, is still too high to be comfortable.”

Reasons to be optimistic 

Webb said it’s too soon to tell if making vaccines available for kids between the ages of five and 11 will have a major impact on the spread of the virus, but researchers believe that it will.  He cited projections from the CDC that show vaccinations among this age group will slow the spread to adults, possibly eliminating 60 thousand hospital admissions, nationwide.

Webb believes the best way to protect public health is to create a “immunization buffer” which could include vaccine-acquired immunization and infection-acquired immunization.  He says both forms of immunity are good and there doesn’t need to be two separate camps arguing about which is better.  He also says immunity wanes with both methods, but vaccines are better at preventing hospitalizations.  Webb cited research showing people who were infected with COVID-19 then received at least one dose of the vaccine have stronger immunity from the disease.

Currently, infection-acquired immunity is not recognized as part of the public health strategy in the U.S., but that could change.   Countries like Switzerland have recognized IAI as a temporary equivalent to vaccination, Webb said.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Health

suicide prevention Utah...

Emma Keddington

Suicide rates increasing in Utah, but so are available resources

One expert said the increase in suicide rates in Utah indicate a need for Utahns to actively engage in suicide prevention.

7 hours ago

How to deal with seasonal depression...

Allessandra Harris

Don’t be SAD this winter; ways to diminsh seasonal depression

Shorter days and less sunlight cause seasonal affective disorder (SAD), or seasonal depression, for many people throughout the winter.

11 hours ago

Weight lifting for seniors is important to help with bone density....

Amanda Dickson

Why lifting weights is something seniors shouldn’t skip

Lifting weights is important for all ages, but especially for seniors who may be experiencing losses in bone density.

1 day ago

Image of a mother nursing an infant. Intermountain Health is now offering lactation consultations v...

Britt Johnson

Telehealth lactation consultations now available in Utah

Intermountain's telehealth lactation consultations began during the pandemic, and have since proven a popular alternative.

3 days ago

Image of an Alaska Air flight taking off from Los Angeles International Airport. The FAA convened a...

Pete Muntean, CNN

FAA announces new pilot mental health committee

The issue of pilot mental health surfaced again in October when an off-duty pilot was charged with trying to crash an Alaska Airlines flight.

3 days ago

Social engagement is one habit that could help protect your brain as you age....

Kristen Rogers, CNN

What’s your Brain Care Score? The answer may indicate your dementia risk

A new tool named the Brain Care Score may help you asses risks of stroke and dementia while also advising how you can lower your risk.

4 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Human hand holding a protest banner stop vaping message over a crowded street background....

Prosperous Utah Communities

Utah’s Battle to Protect Youth from Vaping Epidemic Faces New Threat as Proposed Rule Threatens Progress

Utah's strict standards of nicotine levels in vaping products are at risk, increasing health hazards associated with use. Read more about how you can advocate for a better future for Utah's youth.

Doctors say Utah ‘not in a good place’ preparing for COVID-19 in the winter months