Sicknesses and the Holidays: How to fight back to prevent falling victim

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — State health officials have confirmed the first pediatric flu-related death for the new flu season. 

It happened in the western part of the state. 

Sicknesses and the holidays definitely don’t pair well together. But we see it hand-in-hand far too often. 

The health expert we spoke with on Wednesday said it is the season for increased respiratory illnesses. 

Jon Campbell is New Hanover County’s Health Director, he said there are a few ways to fight back to prevent falling victim to these sicknesses. 

He urged people to wash their hands, keep a healthy distance from friends and family, and limit their travel.  

In this time of year, sharing is not caring, Campbell said to not share cups, plates, and utensils. 

He said cases of the flu and RSV have been trending for the past month. 

“Over the past three to four weeks, we’ve been seeing a slow increase in both Influenza and RSV cases reporting to the emergency department,” Campbell said. “Which has resulted in individuals presenting with respiratory symptoms, essentially coughs, congestion, fevers, and body aches.” 

Campbell said even if you feel you hadn’t contracted any sicknesses, or may be over what you did have, you may still want to be cautious when gathering with family for the holidays. 

Campbell also reminded folks that the Health and Human Service building at 1650 Greenfield St. in Wilmington supplies free at home COVID tests. 

They will be closed starting Thursday through the weekend for the holidays. But they will reopen Monday morning.