Help! Everybody around me is sick! What do I do?
Our community is being struck by flu, COVID-19, RSV, strep throat, stomach viruses, and other illnesses at a particularly high rate this year and hospitals are feeling the strain. We can’t eliminate all the risks, but here are some things we can do to lessen the burden of cold and flu season on ourselves and the community.
Take Precautions to Limit Your Risk of Illness:
It’s not too late to get your flu vaccine. Even if you’ve already had the flu this season, there may be another strain of the flu going around before summer, and the flu vaccine this year protects against four different strains of flu. Along with a flu vaccine and updated COVID-19 immunizations, masking indoors, washing hands, and keeping your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth are helpful to protect against many other illnesses too. Make sure you’re also getting plenty of rest, eating healthy foods, and staying hydrated. If you do get sick, stay home to prevent spreading the illness to others
What to Do if You or Your Family is Sick:
What if you or a family member is already sick… or sick again? If you are in a high-risk group, are very sick, or worried about your illness, contact your healthcare provider, visit an urgent care, or schedule a telehealth appointment (many insurances and medical groups provide telehealth options). Many illnesses being spread right now will go away in a matter of days, but you may need testing or treatments depending on your situation. It is better to seek help right away because some treatments are only effective within the first days of the illness. If at any point you think the symptoms may be life-threatening, visit the emergency room immediately.
Let's Not Forget to Support One Another!
With so much illness spreading this season, remember to be understanding of those missing work, school, or special events. Kids have been hit particularly hard with the current respiratory viruses, so families may be caring for multiple sick children over extended periods of time. Many people live alone and don’t have somebody to care for them or to help with daily tasks when they’re sick, and some people may just be overwhelmed after multiple bouts of sickness or hospital stays.
If you’re healthy, offer to drop off a meal, shovel snow, or simply check in on neighbors, friends, and family. You may also be one of the people who needs support. Reach out for help and give yourself some grace if things aren’t getting done as quickly as you’d like, or your plans and celebrations aren’t turning out as expected.
Many things like washing hands, staying home when sick, and checking in on a neighbor can seem like small actions. Just remember, small actions add up to big protection for individuals and for the entire community.