Staying Healthy this Season with Respiratory Illnesses on the Rise

We are officially in the“Is it a cold? Is it the flu?”season, and local hospitals and clinics are experiencing high rates of respiratory illness admissions. Although symptoms of the common cold, influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19, and other respiratory viruses are similar, it can be difficult to distinguish between them.

Respiratory viruses may cause both upper and lower respiratory tract symptoms. Some viruses also affect the nose, throat, and lungs, and can lead to serious lung infections, such as pneumonia. Respiratory virus symptoms can include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny or stuffy nose, decrease in appetite, sore throat, vomiting, new loss of taste or smell, headache, muscle or body aches, diarrhea, and weakness.

To help protect yourself - and the most vulnerable (the elderly, infants, and those with weakened immune systems) - during cold and flu season:

• Sneeze or cough into a disposable tissue and wash your hands frequently.
• Clean surfaces regularly and avoid touching your face.
• Avoid close contact with people who may be infected.
• Stay home and away from others until at least 24 hours after your symptoms are getting better overall andyou haven’t had a fever (and aren’t using fever-reducing medication).
• Get your influenza, RSV, and/or COVID vaccines, if eligible. It takes about two weeks for vaccinations to provide full protection.

If you get sick, take care of yourself by resting, keeping warm, staying hydrated, and using over-the-counter (OTC) medications to ease symptoms.

If symptoms persist or worsen, CGH is here to help! Call your provider or visit CGH Ready Care in Sterling (15 W 3rd St, Lower Level) or Dixon (1321 N. Galena Ave., behind Culver’s), open Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday/Sunday from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Getting tested is crucial in understanding which virus you’re dealing with and how to treat it. Stay safe and healthy!

CGH Medical Center

100 E. Le Fevre Road

Sterling, IL 61081

Ph: 815.625.0400

cghmc.com