There are well over 30 viruses and bacteria that can cause respiratory symptoms. Some of the illnesses are trivial, some can be lethal. Unfortunately, the same virus or bacteria may cause minimal symptoms in one person and a fatal illness in another person.
We know that COVID-19 is in our community. Patients have been surprised when we test for it and find a positive result. We have already seen more than 20 patients with COVID in August 2023. No one knows how this virus will behave over time. We can only imagine it will behave like Influenza and have a somewhat seasonal pattern. In addition to COVID-19, we have also started to see Influenza A & B.
What do we do?
- If you have respiratory symptoms: sore throat, nasal congestion, cough, fever, headache, body aches – get tested!
- At the start of symptoms, keep away from people until the testing is complete.
- Consider yourself infectious to others for at least 5 days.
- Even if COVID/Influenza testing is negative, behave as if it were positive.
- Cover cough/sneeze with your arm.
- Masks are effective. They have been used in operating rooms for over a hundred years for good reasons. Masks also remind you to keep your hands away from your face.
- Talk with your primary provider about vaccination.