Levels of respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, influenza and RSV are on the rise, according to current trends monitored by Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services.
Why is this happening?
As temperatures drop, people tend to spend more time indoors and around others, which can increase the spread of respiratory illnesses, said Kim Litwack, dean of the College of Health Professions & Sciences at The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Low exposure to sunlight also leads to lower levels of Vitamin D, which can increase susceptibility to respiratory infections, Litwack said.
Litwack also noted that dry winter air allows viruses in people’s breath to evaporate faster and stay in the air for longer periods of time.
“Flu and RSV peak every winter, and now COVID seems like it’s here to stay as well,” Litwack said.
But just because COVID-19 is making a seasonal return doesn’t make it any less dangerous – infections can still be deadly, Litwack said.
“Those at high risk are still at the same risk,” Litwack said.
How to avoid infections
Vaccines are still the most effective way to prevent infection, Litwack said.
Even if you’ve received vaccines in the past for COVID or the flu, getting this year’s shot is still important.
They will help protect against current viral strains, as new variants of respiratory illnesses tend to appear and spread each year, Litwack said.
What precautions you should take
The most important thing you can do, according to the Milwaukee Health Department, is to stay home when you are sick or experiencing symptoms in order to prevent the transmission of diseases to others around you.
Maintaining good hygiene and making sure to wash your hands and disinfect surfaces can also help, and as always, wearing a mask will help especially if exposure is unavoidable or if you are at increased risk.
Populations at risk include older adults, infants and young children; those with compromised immune systems; people with pre-existing lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
those with disabilities; and pregnant women, Litwack said.
Litwack also recommends opening windows to circulate fresh air and using a humidifier to keep air moist.
Where to get vaccinated
The Milwaukee Health Department runs three clinics that offer free flu and COVID vaccines to everyone 6 months or older, regardless of insurance status.
The clinics are walk-in only and do not take appointments.
Southside Health Center, located at 1639 S. 23rd St., is open on Mondays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and on Tuesdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Northwest Health Center, located at 7630 W. Mill Road, is open on Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Keenan Health Center, located at 3200 N. 36th St., is open on Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
For those with private health insurance, most plans will cover the cost of a vaccination. CVS and Walgreens offer free vaccinations for individuals with insurance.
Healthy MKE also offers assistance with finding vaccines and can provide at-home vaccinations.
RSV vaccines are not available through the Milwaukee Health Department’s clinics, but a free RSV vaccine is offered to pregnant people through the Vaccinations for Adults program and to those under the age of 19 through the Vaccinations for Children program, run by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
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