Sicknesses climbing in US; what to do
With more cases of COVID-19, flu, RSV and a host of other illnesses being reported across the nation, the Oak Ridge area's main medical provider - Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge - provided the following information for staying healthy during the holidays and throughout the winter months.
“The No. 1 recommendation for staying healthy over the holidays or at any time is proper handwashing,” Amy Rymer-Sheets, infection preventionist with Methodist Medical Center, replied to the newspaper's request for guidance. “Washing hands frequently throughout the day is important for safeguarding your health and the health of those around you. But, it isn’t effective if you don’t wash properly. Be sure to wash your hands with soap and clean running water for at least 20 seconds, or about as long as it takes to sing the ‘Happy Birthday’ song twice.”
Currently, there are no additional restrictive visitation policies at Methodist or any of the Covenant Health hospitals; however, hospital staff ask that people who wish to visit their local hospital not enter if they are feeling ill. Those with flu-like symptoms should contact their primary care physician.
For those seeking medical care for flu symptoms, a new option is now available through Covenant Health Virtual Urgent Care, a fast and convenient way for patients to see a clinician by video call. Appointments and insurance are not required. Patients may visit covenanthealth.com to get started.
“Getting an influenza vaccine this winter will be key to reducing your family’s risk from flu and other viruses,” Rymer-Sheets added. “And, if you have symptoms such as fever, cough or runny nose, wear a mask and distance yourself from others. ‘Tis the season to spread joy, not illness.”
The Associated Press reported that coronavirus-related hospital admissions are climbing again in the United States, with older adults a growing share of U.S. deaths, and less than half of nursing home residents up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Thursday that the community-level of COVID-19 is low in Anderson, Roane, Morgan, Knox and Loudon counties.
This article originally appeared on Oakridger: Sicknesses climbing in US; what to do
