Health experts urge precautions as rates of respiratory illnesses rise
With two of the big winter holidays falling on the same day this year, health experts are urging people to take precautions against spreading common illnesses at Christmas and Hanukkah gatherings.Respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, influenza and RSV typically spread easily in the winter.”As people begin congregating inside, we certainly see more of an uptick of respiratory illnesses,” said Dr. Ryan Kipp, of Dartmouth Health.The illnesses can lead to coughing, sore throats and sometimes fever. Severe cases can lead to hospitalization or death. The latest available data show elevated or high levels of acute respiratory illness across New Hampshire, and there has been one influenza death this season.>> Download the free WMUR app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play <<To avoid spreading sickness at your family gathering, experts say to focus on hand hygiene by washing your hands and avoiding touching your face and mouth. If you’re sick, you should stay home.”Especially if you have relatives or friends that are immunocompromised or already have something going on with them, even though you’re going to miss out on a lot of fun and have FOMO, it’s better to stay home and not spread the disease,” said Jennifer Torosian, of Catholic Medical Center.If you haven’t received a flu shot yet, health experts said it isn’t too late.”And in fact, we actually encourage people that if you haven’t gotten the flu shot by now, then you absolutely do it,” Kipp said.Anyone who’s sick should keep an eye out for more serious symptoms that warrant a call to the doctor.”They’re feeling short of breath, like they’re going to pass out. They’re not able to keep anything down,” Kipp said. “Basically, they’ve tried the over-the-counter-type stuff, and it just continues to get worse after a couple of days. I would say that’s appropriate to come in and see your family doctor or your primary care physician.”Doctors also said that trying to stick to your normal routines as much as possible can help you avoid added stress that can contribute to feeling run down.
With two of the big winter holidays falling on the same day this year, health experts are urging people to take precautions against spreading common illnesses at Christmas and Hanukkah gatherings.
Respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, influenza and RSV typically spread easily in the winter.
“As people begin congregating inside, we certainly see more of an uptick of respiratory illnesses,” said Dr. Ryan Kipp, of Dartmouth Health.
The illnesses can lead to coughing, sore throats and sometimes fever. Severe cases can lead to hospitalization or death. The latest available data show elevated or high levels of acute respiratory illness across New Hampshire, and there has been one influenza death this season.
>> Download the free WMUR app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play <<
To avoid spreading sickness at your family gathering, experts say to focus on hand hygiene by washing your hands and avoiding touching your face and mouth.
If you’re sick, you should stay home.
“Especially if you have relatives or friends that are immunocompromised or already have something going on with them, even though you’re going to miss out on a lot of fun and have FOMO, it’s better to stay home and not spread the disease,” said Jennifer Torosian, of Catholic Medical Center.
If you haven’t received a flu shot yet, health experts said it isn’t too late.
“And in fact, we actually encourage people that if you haven’t gotten the flu shot by now, then you absolutely do it,” Kipp said.
Anyone who’s sick should keep an eye out for more serious symptoms that warrant a call to the doctor.
“They’re feeling short of breath, like they’re going to pass out. They’re not able to keep anything down,” Kipp said. “Basically, they’ve tried the over-the-counter-type stuff, and it just continues to get worse after a couple of days. I would say that’s appropriate to come in and see your family doctor or your primary care physician.”
Doctors also said that trying to stick to your normal routines as much as possible can help you avoid added stress that can contribute to feeling run down.
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