Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - Virginia health officials say they are seeing an increase in numbers of influenza, COVID-19, and general respiratory illnesses across the region.
Dr. Elaine Perry, Virginia Department of Health Director, says we may see a continued increase, or possibly an even bigger bump in cases, once children are back in school and being exposed to each other more closely again.
“Most people – so, just having a mild cough, congestion, runny nose – don’t need to go see a health professional at this point.” Perry says. “If you are having more severe symptoms, or if you’re concerned you may have or have been exposed to COVID, there are at-home tests you can take or you can contact your healthcare professional to get tested.”
More severe cases warrant a phone call to a healthcare professional, Perry says.
“If you start having difficulty breathing – shortness of breath, feeling really tired and not being able to breathe – those are symptoms we’re most concerned about,” she says.
Health officials say it’s not too late to get a flu shot or one of the updated COVID-19 vaccines.
“Even though we’re in the midst of one of these peaks right now, you definitely can get one or both of those vaccines right now,” she says.
Given the current spike in illnesses, Perry says it’s very important for people to stay home if they’re sick.
“I know it’s difficult sometimes and we want to brave it out and go to work, but if you do that and are around other people, obviously you increase the chance of getting them sick as well,” she says. “So we’re really encouraging people to stay home when they’re not feeling well.”
