Type A flu cases on the rise
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Covid, flu, and RSV are all circulating widely right now causing lots of people to get sick.
A Wilmington doctor gave us details about this recent wave of respiratory illness.
It appears the start of 2025 is making a lot of people sick. There has been a surge in flu, RSV, and covid cases. In the past couple of weeks, Wilmington Health has seen an increase in influenza-A cases.
Dr. Olga Lembersky said it December to February is the peak season for the flu.
She explains the difference between a common cold and the flu.
“Flu symptoms are similar to cold symptoms we see cough, runny nose, body aches, fever, and chills but they are worse. People are feeling a lot worse when they have the flu versus just a regular cold,” Dr. Lembersky explained.
But when is it time to get checked?
“If you just have a very low-grade fever or runny nose you can definitely rest and manage your symptoms at home but if you are at all concerned or you are having difficulty breathing or very high fevers or you’re not eating or drinking or having a lot of vomiting you need to be seen,” Dr. Lembersky stated.
Dr. Lembersky asks people to stay home if they are sick. If you happen to get sick be sure to treat your symptoms.
“Treating your symptoms…if you have a fever, you can take Tylenol or if you are feeling like you’re tired or don’t have energy…rest. If you are very concerned or your symptoms are severe, I would get to the doctor,” Dr. Lembersky said.
Dr. Lembersky has tips to prevent the spread.
“Hand washing is very important especially if you are coughing or sneezing because it is very easily spread by respiratory droplets. Also, just mainly staying home if you are sick so you avoid getting other people sick,” Dr. Lembersky shared.
Doctor Lembersky adds people who are younger or older or have a lot of chronic health problems can get sicker. So far this year they have not seen a spike in cases for a specific age group.
