MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — Respiratory cases are beginning to increase across the state and the Eastern Panhandle is no exception.
WVU medicine providers are reporting a surge in respiratory illnesses across the community with many cases of the flu, COVID-19 and RSV.
Dr. Michael Londner is the chief medical officer with WVU Medicine Berkeley Medical Center. He says the region is about halfway through respiratory illness season and this is traditionally when illness peaks in the community.
Londner says this is the time to take care of ourselves and those around us.
Older adults and young children are most likely to be hospitalized with severe respiratory illness.
The doctor says anyone in those vulnerable populations should seek care when symptoms develop.
Some prescription treatments can also help ease symptoms and the severity of illness, Londner says.
“For most people, symptoms will only last a few days and can be managed at home with rest and fluids,” according to Dr. Londner, who goes on to say it’s very important that when illness is high in the community, as it is now, everyone does their part to help prevent the spread of the viruses.
Londner offers some tips:
Get vaccinated, if eligible. Talk to your provider about what is recommended for you and your family.
Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands often with soap and water. Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or the inside of your elbow.
Stay home if you are sick. Avoid contact with others until you are fever-free for at least 24 hours.
Consider wearing a mask if you are at higher risk for developing serious illness or are not feeling well around vulnerable people.
