Respiratory Illness Rising in Sussex County: What You Need to Know

Flu and other respiratory illnesses are on the rise in Sussex County, and chances are you know someone who’s feeling under the weather. At Beebe Healthcare, we’re seeing more cases in our hospital, practices, and walk-in care centers.

To help protect patients and team members during this busy season, Beebe staff will begin wearing masks in patient care areas at all locations starting Wednesday evening, Jan. 7.

What does this mean for you?

• Patients and visitors are not required to mask, but we strongly encourage you to consider wearing one when visiting our facilities.
• Masks will be available at entrances for anyone who wants one.
• Patients who are sick with a respiratory infection or in isolation will be asked to wear a mask, as will their visitors.

These steps are based on data showing a rise in respiratory illness in our community and follow similar measures taken by other health systems in the region.

Our goal is simple: keep everyone as safe and healthy as possible.

What You Can Do to Stay Healthy

Prevention is always the best defense. Here are a few simple steps:

• Talk to your primary care provider about whether flu, COVID-19, or RSV vaccines are right for you.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using the restroom and before eating. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your arm – not your hands – to help stop the spread of germs.
• Stay home if you’re sick and seek care when needed at:
  • Beebe Primary Care offices
  • Beebe Walk-In Care Centers in Rehoboth, Millville, Millsboro, Milton, and Georgetown

When to visit the Emergency Department?

It’s common for emergency departments to experience higher patient volumes during respiratory illness season. Beebe’s Emergency Department is always open and ready to care for you.

You should seek emergency care immediately for life-threatening symptoms, including severe or sudden conditions such as trauma, stroke warning signs, or intense pain.

Here are a few more symptoms, which may signal an emergency:

• Breathing problems: Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain, or bluish lips or face
• Severe illness symptoms: High or persistent fever, dehydration, fainting, or severe dizziness
• Other urgent conditions: Worsening respiratory symptoms, confusion, or inability to stay awake