(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Decreasing numbers of COVID-19 cases mean more of us are ditching the face masks, but local health officials say that’s leading to a rise in patients dealing with other ailments.
Dr. Nimmi Rajagopal, associate chair of Family and Community Medicine for Cook County Health, said there’s been an uptick in residents feeling under the weather since mask mandates were lifted in many indoor settings. In other words, cold-like symptoms.
“They’re complaining of a runny nose, stuffy nose, congestion and things like that,” she said Monday. “They’re increasingly testing negative for COVID. So, what we know is that the masks help for other things, too.”
Dr. Rajagopal acknowledged it can be a bit conflicting: wanting to do away with face coverings but also wanting to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy.
“We just need to look at the situation. If there are a lot of unknowns and a lot of people out there that you’re not familiar with, then err on the side of caution and wear a mask,” she advises.
Beyond face masks, it’s still crucial to follow the basics, such as hand washing and staying home if you’re not feeling well, she said.
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