Cold and Flu Season is Ramping Up

AROOSTOOK COUNTY, Maine (WAGM) - As the weather gets colder, we head into cold and flu season. Hospitals say that although flu and RSV numbers are low, they are increasing and are expected to peak in coming months. As we head into late fall and early winter, locals are starting to feel the effects of the season, but we’re not talking about winter. Flu season is starting to hit Aroostook County, with everything from coughing to runny noses. Hospitals say one of the main reasons for the increase this time of year is holiday gatherings.

Mary Allen, Infection Preventionist at Cary Medical Center says: “Per usual we’ve started the trend. It’s starting to pick up now. So, usually late fall is when we start seeing an increase in cases of influenza and RSV. It can start as early as October and then usually peaks around February. Although, we do see influenza year-round it just peaks in the winter months because people are indoors its cold holiday gatherings were around each other more.”

Julie Tutt, Infection Preventionist at Northern Light AR Gould Hospital said: “Thanksgiving’s right on the horizon and then we’ve got Christmas coming up in a month, so cases are definitely going to start to increase once these gatherings start to happen for the holidays.”

Hospital staff say that although most cases won’t be severe, there are a few symptoms that may prompt a visit to the doctor. “If you’re still having a fever after like 5 to 7 days I would definitely reach out to your provider. If you feel like your symptoms aren’t improving that’s gonna be another key thing.” said Tutt.

“Really, if you feel like you’re having trouble breathing and that’s worsening definitely get evaluated. For infants, they can also have trouble feeding decrease in wet diapers, also some red flags.” added Allen.

With cases expected to climb through the holidays, hospital staff say prevention is key. “The biggest thing is prevention. We have a lot of tools for that. Vaccination to start, influenza vaccine and then RSV we’ve made some great strides with that. For infants they can get an antibody that will protect them from the season and then we have a vaccine available for older adults 60 and over.” Allen stated. Officials say to reduce your risk: wash your hands, avoid people who are sick, stay home when you’re sick, and high-risk individuals should wear a mask in large crowds.