CLEVELAND — It's the most wonderful time of the year... if you're a virus.
It seems everyone is catching something — dealing with sore throat, lost voice, congestion, cough that lingers and becomes bronchitis. Chances are you may have even caught a case of COVID, as there's a new variant called HV.1 that's spreading like wildfire. While it's highly transmissible, it doesn't seem to be causing severe disease, but it is making people miserable.
RSV is back, as usual, but slightly below where we were this time last year.
Fortunately, influenza is getting a slow start, at least in Ohio, but don't worry — it will catch up quickly, especially after all the holiday gatherings.
You can prevent these three viruses with vaccines. If you're not sure what you qualify for, click HERE.
Don't forget to use all those lessons you learned during the pandemic to also protect yourself from catching a virus.:
- Wash your hands
- Stay home if you're sick
- Don't touch your eyes, nose or mouth
- Avoid crowds
- If you are sick, avoid being around those who are vulnerable by age or compromised immune systems
Here are some links to stay up to date on the viruses circulating in and around Ohio, as well as how to get free COVID tests from the government: