Stay vigilant for flu and RSV as COVID wanes: What you need to know

As families prepare to travel and gather for Thanksgiving, the COVID-19 situation in Florida remains worrisome, despite no longer being the significant threat it once was. Instead, different viruses, such as the stomach flu, are causing widespread disruption.

Florida’s COVID-19 risk level as of November 17, is notably low, and state health monitoring has observed a decline in hospitalizations and deaths attributed to the virus in comparison to previous years during the same period. Leading into the holiday season, COVID-19 levels in Broward and Palm Beach counties for the week of November 10 are at their lowest this year, as stated by Florida Department of Health data.

However, COVID-19’s seasonal nature means that cases tend to rise after holiday gatherings and travel.

“COVID-19 is still prevalent, and there is likely to be a winter surge,” stated Dr. Jason Goldman, an internal medicine specialist in Coral Springs.

During family holiday meals, the stomach flu or norovirus is a significant concern, and it is crucial to maintain a safe distance and practice thorough hand hygiene.

“Norovirus has been wreaking havoc in schools,” noted Dr. Jill Roberts, an associate professor at the USF College of Public Health. “It’s highly contagious and challenging to eradicate.”

Norovirus leads to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and sometimes fever. It spreads through direct contact with an infected person or indirectly via contaminated surfaces, objects, food, or drinks.

“Just a pinprick can cause a thousand people to become ill,” Roberts emphasized.

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