Salem Township Hospital nurse executive Lisa Ambuehl is seeing a large rise in respitory illness cases in January at the Rural Health Clinic.
Since last Friday, the hospital has confirmed 20 Influenza A cases. There have been 34 cases for the month. The hospital has also confirmed 10 COVID-19 cases, with a few inpatients. However, Ambuehl says the severity is not as bad as the original COVID cases. Six RSV cases of all ages have also been confirmed.
Ambuehl explained the best way to avoid becoming the victim of a respiratory infection.
“Good handwashing. If you’re sick, stay home. Coughing etiquette, sneezing etiquette.”
Ambuehl says while the best time to get a flu shot is in the fall, they can still be effective if received now.