FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) If you aren’t feeling sick, odds are someone you know is. Respiratory illnesses are spreading with cases of RSV, the flu, and COVID-19 on the rise according to the Allen County Department of Health.
Influenza-like illness is rising across the state, according to the Indiana Department of Healthand at least 10 Hoosiers have died. Nationally, most cases have been Influenza A (H1N1), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reportedand hospitalizations among all age groups have increased by 200% in the past four weeks.
Through Thursday, December 21, the Department of Health has reported 1,368 new cases of COVID-19 this month. Through the same period in November, there were 629 cases.
RSV hospitalizations also have risen sharply in recent weeks, according to the CDC.
The Department of Health urges residents to do the following to help minimize transmission of respiratory viruses:
- Get vaccinated. Vaccines for flu, COVID-19 and RSV are available at various locations such as primary care providers and pharmacies. To check availability, contact providers, pharmacies or the Department of Health at (260) 449-7504. Providers for flu and COVID-19 vaccines can also be found at vaccines.gov.
- Stay home if you’re sick. Those experiencing symptoms of respiratory illnesses should stay home from work or school, whenever possible. If treatment is needed, contact your primary health care provider.
- Wash hands frequently. Use soap and warm water. If they are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Cover coughs and sneezes. Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.
