DESERET NEWS – You may have exchanged more than presents and shared more than meals during recent holiday gatherings.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses are surging and most states have “high” or “very high” levels right now. Flu, respiratory syncytial virus and COVID-19 are all circulating broadly, though it’s possible RSV has leveled off.
Health experts are saying that the COVID-19 peak is still to come.
CNN reported that every year since COVID-19 debuted, a surge in coronavirus activity has followed the winter holidays. And “even before the holidays this year, the CDC had already warned that COVID-associated hospitalizations were rising,” along with the other respiratory viruses.
“After the holidays, after we’ve traveled and gathered, we are seeing what is pretty typical of this time of year, which is a lot of respiratory viruses,” Dr. Mandy Cohen, director of the CDC, told NPR. “We’re seeing particularly high circulation in the Southeast, but no part of the country is spared.”
It’s not easy to tell which virus you may have gotten, should you be ill. So experts told NPR that those with severe symptoms should be tested. “Getting tested and diagnosed early, with COVID-19 or the flu, can help those at risk of serious illness get access to prescription pills that can reduce their chances of ending up in the hospital,” the article said.
Those with health insurance should find that flu and COVID-19 vaccines, tests and treatments are covered. And for the uninsured, per NPR, “the government is also offering a program called Test to Treat that offers free tests, free telehealth appointments and free treatments at home.”
Folks who attended large gatherings may not be worried about getting ill …
