Infectious Diseases physician discusses COVID and flu prevention
October is just around the corner — and along with it comes the beginning of COVID and influenza seasons.
Flu
With height of flu season yet to come, doctors say now is the time to get your vaccine
“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.
Flu got you down? — Here’s when to stay home and when to see a doctor
“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.
As five respiratory illnesses spread, local doctors encourage vaccines and handwashing
With many of those pesky, annual bugs going around, local doctors are encouraging folks to wash their hands — and get vaccinated!
Doctors with Prisma Health say it’s time for your flu shot
“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.
Hospitalizations down, but SC still leads among respiratory illnesses says DHEC
“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.
Health officials give update as respiratory illnesses surge in South Carolina
Respiratory illnesses like RSV, the flu and COVID continue to spread in the Palmetto State.
Prisma Health restricts visitation due to increase in respiratory illnesses
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.
Midlands experts encourage vaccinations for flu, Covid-19, and RSV
“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.
FDA: Ingredient in cold, flu medicine determined ineffective
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.
