FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina — In a season conducive to spreading holiday cheer, experts say we’re spreading a whole lot more.
Our health care system is once again put to the test; This time, three diseases are behind.
The flu is hitting hard – with cases nationwide more than a dozen times higher than this time last year. There are also concerns about RSV.
And another virus that we have been fighting for years now.
“COVID is still in the background, but it hasn’t gone away,” said Dr Jose Cabanas.
Dr. Cabanas is Wake County’s chief medical officer; He fears that all of these diseases together will overwhelm our health care system – from EMS to our emergency rooms.
“When we have capacity issues in the health care delivery system, the priority is to ensure that life-threatening and more acute emergencies are taken care of more quickly,” Cabanas said.
For other medical conditions, wait times may increase.
Health experts said the rapid spread comes as many of us ease the precautions we previously took around COVID – and start to come together again.
But Cabanas said there are things you can do to protect yourself.
“Get your flu shot, make sure you’re aware of your contacts,” Cabanas said. “Wash your hands, don’t touch your face. Be sure to do your covid reminder.
The same advice comes from the White House.
“The most important thing you can do to prepare for your vacation is to get your updated covid vaccine,” First Lady Jill Biden said.
Another way to relieve our local healthcare system – go to the hospital emergency department if you are at high risk or have concerning symptoms; Other visits may be handled by a primary care physician.
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