JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Hospitals are seeing an uptick in individuals suffering from respiratory infections, including walking pneumonia, the flu, and the common cold—conditions that seem to be linked to travel exposure during the holidays.
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“Most common viral infection still remains the cold virus of the rhinovirus of the year. Of course, we are also in the season where we see a lot of influenza infections and COVID is coming up,” said UNF disease infection specialist Dr. Mobeen Rathore.
According to the Florida Department of Health, influenza cases have increased between Dec. 15 and 21 in our viewing area.
Dr. Mobeen Rathore says this time of year typically brings a spike in infections.
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“This is the time of the year where we see a lot more infections, and obviously, this is also the time of the year when, because of those infections, a lot more people get admitted to the hospital. So, the hospitals are full right now—the children’s hospital and the adult hospitals,” said Dr. Rathore.
To help prevent illness, he recommends, “Get the vaccines before you travel, and if you are sick, stay home. Do not interact with your families, friends at parties and such. Cough in your elbow. Wash your hands, use hand hygiene as frequently as possible.”
Dr. Rathore predicts that this surge may continue for a while.
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“I think this is going to probably last another month or so. Maybe end of January or so we should see some relief,” he said.
The doctor also emphasizes the importance of staying cautious around others who are already ill.
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