Health officials explain the difference as respiratory illnesses are now in peak season – 4029tv

40/29'S ABNER SOSA HAS MORE ON HOW YOU CAN TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THEM. ABNER OFFICIALS AT NORTHWEST HEALTH TELL ME THEY'VE SEEN A RISE IN CASES AS WE'RE NOW IN THE PEAK SEASON FOR FLU, COVID, AND RSV. PKG THE ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH RELEASED THEIR LATEST WEEKLY REPORT ON RESPIRATORY ILLNESSES. <> This weekly update is important because it lets us know how we're doing as far as a state populus with regards to covid infections, influenza infections, and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV." WITH ALL THESE ILLNESSES BEING RESPIRATORY - IT'S DIFFICULT TO TELL WHICH ONE IS WHICH. <> "it's good to note that the flu comes on rapidly. It's usually you were fine the day before and you wake up and you you know, you feel much worse." <> "COVID typically presents with cough congestion, runny nose, maybe a low grade fever. It definitely presents with some more new onset of fatigue. So it's a little bit different from the flu in that the flu present with a very high fever." <> "RSV, respiratory syncytial virus. This virus is a virus of the respiratory track it presents with a lot of mucus production." // "Anyone can get the virus RSV. For most people, it's just going to feel like a common cold. It's that that more vulnerable population of babies and the elderly that can have issues with clearing their airway." RIGHT NOW -THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SAYS THAT 24 PEOPLE IN ARKANSAS HAVE DIED BECAUSE OF THE FLU THIS SEASON. 36 PEOPLE HAVE DIED FROM COVID-19 THIS YEAR ALONE. THOUGH WE'RE ALREADY IN PEAK SEASON - THOMPSON- DAVIS SAYS IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO GET VACCINATED. <> "the importance of getting vaccinated against the flu can certainly decrease the number of fatalities from any of the illnesses. Flu, COVID or those that might succumb to RSV. So the fact that we've had 24 deaths, it's it's concerning because we could have less if we get more people vaccinated." ABNER COMING UP AT SIX -- FIND OUT WAYS YOU CAN PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMIL

Health officials explain the difference as respiratory illnesses are now in peak season

As Flu, COVID-19, and RSV cases increase, health experts emphasize differentiation and stress the importance of vaccination

Updated: 5:37 PM CST Jan 25, 2024

According to the Arkansas Department of Health, health officials are experiencing an upward trend in influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus. Health experts say we are currently in the peak season for these respiratory illnesses.The Arkansas Department of Health released its latest weekly report on Thursday.Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Kelly Thompson-Davis with Northwest Health emphasized the significance of the weekly update."This update is important because it informs us about the state's overall condition concerning COVID infections, influenza infections, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV," said Thompson-Davis.Given that these illnesses primarily affect the respiratory system, it can become difficult to differentiate between them.Thompson-Davis said, "It's good to note that the flu comes on rapidly. It's usually that you were fine the day before, and you wake up feeling much worse."Thompson-Davis said that COVID typically comes with symptoms such as cough, congestion, runny nose, and possibly a low-grade fever. He also emphasizes the distinctive onset of fatigue. Additionally, he notes that RSV is characterized by significant mucus production, often resembling a common cold for most individuals, with babies and the elderly being more susceptible to airway issues.Currently, ADH reports 24 flu-related deaths in Arkansas this season and 36 COVID-19-related deaths this year. Despite already being in the peak season, Thompson-Davis encourages vaccination."It's not too late to get vaccinated. The importance of getting vaccinated against the flu can certainly decrease the number of fatalities from any of the illnesses flu, COVID-19, or those that might succumb to RSV. So, the fact that we've had 24 deaths is concerning because we could have fewer if more people get vaccinated," said Thompson-Davis.For those feeling unwell, the CDC recommends staying home to prevent spreading illness. Individuals with COVID-19 should follow current guidelines, which advise self-isolation for five days from the onset of symptoms.

According to the Arkansas Department of Health, health officials are experiencing an upward trend in influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus. Health experts say we are currently in the peak season for these respiratory illnesses.

The Arkansas Department of Health released its latest weekly report on Thursday.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Kelly Thompson-Davis with Northwest Health emphasized the significance of the weekly update.

"This update is important because it informs us about the state's overall condition concerning COVID infections, influenza infections, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV," said Thompson-Davis.

Given that these illnesses primarily affect the respiratory system, it can become difficult to differentiate between them.

Thompson-Davis said, "It's good to note that the flu comes on rapidly. It's usually that you were fine the day before, and you wake up feeling much worse."

Thompson-Davis said that COVID typically comes with symptoms such as cough, congestion, runny nose, and possibly a low-grade fever. He also emphasizes the distinctive onset of fatigue. Additionally, he notes that RSV is characterized by significant mucus production, often resembling a common cold for most individuals, with babies and the elderly being more susceptible to airway issues.

Currently, ADH reports 24 flu-related deaths in Arkansas this season and 36 COVID-19-related deaths this year. Despite already being in the peak season, Thompson-Davis encourages vaccination.

"It's not too late to get vaccinated. The importance of getting vaccinated against the flu can certainly decrease the number of fatalities from any of the illnesses flu, COVID-19, or those that might succumb to RSV. So, the fact that we've had 24 deaths is concerning because we could have fewer if more people get vaccinated," said Thompson-Davis.

For those feeling unwell, the CDC recommends staying home to prevent spreading illness. Individuals with COVID-19 should follow current guidelines, which advise self-isolation for five days from the onset of symptoms.

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Health officials explain the difference as respiratory illnesses are now in peak season - 4029tv