Respiratory illness surge in Pennsylvania tied to holidays, low vaccination

Respiratory illness cases like Covid and the flu are on the rise across the state.

6 News spoke with a local RN who says this influx of viruses is typical for this time of the year.

“We are definitely seeing viruses, were seeing respiratory infections, flu, covid, a whole variety of illnesses,” said Colleen Stewart-Tretter, an RN at Highlands Health Clinic.

Stewart-Tretter says the increase of respiratory illnesses isn't just a health concern locally, but across the state of Pennsylvania.

“The peak is truly usually around January,” Stewart-Tretter added. “A lot of it is impacted by the holidays and the, you know, large gatherings.”

Another factor is less and less people getting vaccinated against these respiratory illnesses – that’s according to the CDC.

“They are similar enough and that’s why I try to tell people the first thing you should do is get tested, you know, so find out, you know is it covid, you know, get a covid test," said Stewart-Tretter. "If its covid, if it’s not covid get a flu test, you know find out if you have flu A, flu B. Some people have strep, some people have bronchitis. Some people need steroids and inhalers, you know, so the most important thing I think is to first figure out what you’re dealing with. So, for example, you know, if you have flu you can receive tamiflu if its diagnosed early enough and you know that certainly makes the course of the illness so much less severe.”

Stewart-Tretter tells Channel 6 the most important thing one can do – especially this time of year - is to not gather around other people which helps limit the spread of these viruses.

“We just have to adapt and use common sense and practice you know healthy, healthy habits,” said Stewart-Tretter. "As we get into spring and into summer and were outside and windows are open then we definitely see a decrease in a lot of the respiratory illnesses.”

The Pennsylvania Department of Health reports, although respiratory virus illness do remain high - they are beginning to decrease.

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