SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) – COVID-19 numbers are spiking in the Bay Area, as several counties have begun recommending mask-wearing once again.
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This year in particular is concerning as COVID-19 cases coincide with RSV and the flu, creating a perfect storm of respiratory viruses.
"The winter is a time where we get a lot of respiratory viral transmission in the community," said Dr. Dean Blumberg, health and infectious disease specialist at UC Davis Health on KCBS Radio's "Ask an Expert" with Eric Thomas on Monday.
"It is normal to have increases in many of these viral infections," he said. "But this year is worse than others and part of that is opening back up after the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions."
Over the last two years the emphasis on mask wearing and social distancing worked really well at preventing not only transmission of COVID-19, but other viruses as well.
As people prepare for holiday gatherings with friends and family, it's important to get as up to date as possible on the latest vaccinations, for COVID-19 as well as the flu.
People could also do well to continue masking indoors, and even in some outdoor situations depending on the number of people around.
Ultimately, if people find themselves feeling under the weather, they should just stay home to better protect others.
"As an added layer, many people are recommending testing prior to these family gatherings if there are family members who are high risk of severe disease," said Blumberg.
Although it's unlikely there will be another mask mandate at this point in the pandemic, health experts are recommending people don them once again.
"It is more of a recommendation where people are taking responsibility for their own health and we've got a lot of tools to be able to do that," he said.
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