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Local 12: Respiratory illnesses on rise this holiday season

UC expert offers tips to avoid getting sick

headshot of Bill Bangert By Bill Bangert 513-558-4519
2 minute read December 21, 2023

Respiratory illnesses are on the rise as we head into the holiday season and that means taken precautions to avoid getting sick during holiday gatherings. The lower temperatures, busy travel season and large gatherings can make people prone to these illnesses. Local 12 posted a story on tips for staying healthy during the holidays, interviewing Carl Fichtenbaum, MD, of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the UC College of Medicine.

He told Local 12 that are on the rise. He said he was especially seeing a lot of influenza A cases and said there was steady rate of COVID-19 cases, too. If you develop symptoms such as a fever above 101, body aches or difficulty breathing, you're encouraged to go see your doctor. Respiratory illnesses such as COVID, Influenza, and RSV, share common symptoms, so it's important to get tested to know which one you may have so you can receive proper treatment.

Professor Carl J. Fichtenbaum, MD shown here his in lab at MSB. UC/ Joseph Fuqua UC/Joseph Fuqua II

Carl Fichtenbaum, MD, of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the UC College of Medicine/Photo/Joe Fuqua II/UC Marketing + Brand

Fichtenbaum said although it's hard to miss out on holiday celebrations, staying home can protect others if you're feeling under the weather. Receiving a vaccine can protect yourself and others.

There has been a decline in vaccines for COVID, influenza, and RSV, despite all these illnesses spiking.

The CDC said this is the first year vaccines for all three illnesses are available and encouraged you to receive them to stay healthy and protect others around you.

"The more people that get vaccinated, the more immunity we have and the less likely we're going to see transmission through our community and less likely people need to be hospitalized," Fichtenbaum said.

See the entire story here.  

Lead photo/Shutterstock

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