As respiratory viruses surge, UAB offers advice on what to do in case of illness

By Savannah Koplon UAB News This winter, influenza, COVID and RSV cases are surging across the United States. It seems as if everyone knows someone who has a runny nose, a fever or a cough, or who has had to call out of work for themselves or to take care of a sick child. Happy new year — ’tis the virus season.“While hospitalizations are steady for the time of year, they are rapidly increasing due to spread of severe illness,” said Rachael Lee, M.D., University of Alabama at Birmingham chief health care epidemiologist. “It is important to refrain from going to hospital emergency departments to avoid continued overstressing of the community’s resources.” Mild cases of the flu, COVID and RSV usually do not require a hospital visit. If you are experiencing symptoms like fever or feeling feverish or experiencing chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue — call your primary health care provider or utilize UAB eMedicine to engage with a caregiver who can diagnose and assess your condition and needs without an emergency room or clinic visit. Patients who choose to visit an emergency department or outpatient clinic should be aware...