This article appeared on Fox 56. Read more here.
As fall begins to rapidly approach, we have started to see a rise in COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus or RSV numbers. Not to mention, we are about to enter the beginning of flu season.
So how can we keep ourselves and our communities safe? Dr. Alison Brodginski is an infectious diseases specialist and associate chief medical officer at Geisinger Wyoming Valley.
Dr. Brodginski says that these respiratory illnesses are contagious and can become severe.
“This is something that is spread with close contact. If you are around individuals who are high risk, you really need to be aware of your own symptoms and people who you may be spreading it to” Dr. Brodginski explained.
Dr. Brodginski say that last year alone, there were over 650,000 hospitalizations across the U.S. just for the flu and close to 60,000 who died.
She encourages everyone to take necessary precautions as the new season rolls in.
“This is by no means, a benign virus for a lot of indivudials. Please be aware of that, take your precautions, and don’t only protect yourself, but those around you” Dr. Brodginski encouraged.
I spoke with Barbara Sitko, a pharmacy manager at Rite Aid in Bloomsburg, who says that there is no time like the present if you are thinking of getting your flu shot.
“Along with fall, it is not just beautiful leaves. We start to see an increase in respiratory illness, and it takes our bodies about two weeks to get immunity from the flu vaccines, so now is the time that we all should be thinking about getting the shot” says Sitko.
Rite Aid locations are offering appointments and walk-in availability for flu shots, the COVID vaccine, and other routine immunizations. But there are more options as well.
“You can always take a multivitamin, or get some vitamin C or zinc, because that will help you with the flu” Sitko says.
If you are feeling sick or have questions about the best way to treat symptoms, make sure you consult your primary doctor or local pharmacist.