COVID-19 cases dropping in Wisconsin, but other respiratory and GI infections on the rise – Fox11online.com

COVID-19 cases dropping in Wisconsin, but other respiratory and GI infections on the rise

A negative COVID-19 rapid test. (WLUK/Scott Hurley)

GREEN BAY (WLUK) -- Coughs, colds, the flu -- this is the season of sickness.

Although%20COVID-19%20cases%20are%20dropping%20in%20Wisconsin,%20health%20officials%20say%20other%20respiratory%20and%20GI%20infections%20are%20on%20the%20rise.%20(WLUK)

At that time, more than 500 people across the state were hospitalized with COVID-19. But according to state statistics, that number has dropped more than 50% in the last month.

"I think we are clearly noticing a decrease in the number of people who get COVID-19. At the same time though, in today's environment, COVID is maybe about a quarter to a third of the story when it comes to seasonal respiratory infections," said Dr. Brad Burmeister with Bellin Health.

As Dr. Burmeister alluded to, health care officials are seeing an increase in other viruses.

"It seems to be, perhaps, a quarter COVID-19, a quarter RSV, a quarter other respiratory viruses and then a quarter of people seem to be getting knocked down with norovirus or other gastrointestinal illnesses right now," he said.

Dr. Burmeister said, like the number of COVID cases, it appears there's been a plateau in RSV cases too. However, he explained norovirus and other gastrointestinal illnesses appear to be rising.

To stay healthy and stop the spread of illnesses, Dr. Burmeister recommends people practice a lot of handwashing and stay home and away from others if they're sick.

According to health care professionals, it's not too late to get your vaccines -- whether for COVID, the flu or any other viruses.

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COVID-19 cases dropping in Wisconsin, but other respiratory and GI infections on the rise - Fox11online.com