The latest respiratory illness update from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services DHS shows a significant rise in overall illness activity, reaching the highest levels seen in the same period last year.
DHS reports that COVID-19 transmission is at its peak since January, while flu and RSV remain at moderate levels. Dr. Minhaj Hussain, an infectious disease expert with Aurora Health Care, notes an uptick in cases of COVID-19, flu, RSV, pneumonia, and norovirus.
The winter season, with more indoor gatherings, creates an ideal environment for viruses to spread. Local pharmacies have seen increased demand for vaccinations as a preventive measure, which is reflected in the surge of vaccination appointments. Brian Bock, a pharmacist at Hayat Pharmacy, highlights that flu, COVID-19, RSV, and pneumonia vaccines are seeing a rise in uptake, signaling active community transmission.
Doctors at Aurora Health Care also report more cases of norovirus, contributing to the spike in gastrointestinal illnesses. Dr. Hussain stresses the importance of handwashing and mask-wearing to help control the spread of these viruses. Some hospitals have reinstated mask mandates as a precautionary measure.
In addition to these preventive steps, Bock advises maintaining a healthy lifestyle through good nutrition, exercise, and other habits to protect both individual and public health.