“Because we’re all gonna be gathering for the holidays. We’re gonna be having family get-togethers, we’re gonna be shopping, and going out in public. We’re gonna be eating with each other – all of those kinds of things. So if you can get yourself protected now, it’s only gonna help us with maybe blunting the amount of influenza we’re seeing in our community,” says Dr. Burch.
“Tylenol and Motrin are mainstays. Other things to help control symptoms would be things like Sudafed, Afrin nasal sprays, antihistamines like Benadryl, and there are some cough suppressants as well for folks who are struggling with managing their cough,” he says.
With many of those pesky, annual bugs going around, local doctors are encouraging folks to wash their hands — and get vaccinated!
“If you’re over the age of 65 and the high dose is available, that would be the recommended dose for you. If it’s not available, then still take the standard flu dose, because it’s still more important to receive your flu vaccine than to hold out for the high dose, hoping it becomes available,” she says.
“I do not think it’s time for us to let our guard down yet, I think all of us need to be diligent about taking care of ourselves and our community and our friends and family by following the simple and preventative measures,” Dr. Buchanan says.
Respiratory illnesses like RSV, the flu and COVID continue to spread in the Palmetto State.
Prisma Health is restricting patient visitation of children under the age 16 starting on Wednesday, Dec. 27, due to the increased rates of influenza and other respiratory illnesses in the region.
“We cannot kill our elders. We have to protect them, and one of our protections is getting the vaccines. And there are now updated vaccines for all three of these,” says Albrecht.
The Food and Drug Administration Advisory Panel determined a key ingredient Phenylephrine, which can be found in over the counter cold medicine is not effective.
As we get ready to gather with family and friends for the upcoming holidays, health experts continue to encourage flu and Covid shots, amid what they are calling a “triple-demic.”
