Sickness spreading throughout region as end of year nears

BELLEVUE, Pa. — It’s hard to find someone who hasn’t come down with something this month.

“Yea they’ve gotten sick but nothing too severe or I’ve had to take them to the hospital,” said Allison Park mom Valerie Harper.

Haper has two little ones and knows firsthand what it’s like dealing with the constant sniffles and colds.

She’s not alone, a multitude of viral infections are making it’s rounds in western Pennsylvania.

“We are actually seeing numbers of everything. Covid numbers are going up, especially people testing at home, we are seeing increased numbers in the hospitals. We are seeing increased numbers of the flu; flu really took off this fall and we aren’t even deep into flu season,” said Allegheny Health Network Dr. Brian Lamb.

Combine that with RSV cases and the common cold, Dr. Lamb said it’s a perfect storm that will last you several weeks.

“If you’ve had the flu you could have the cold on top of it, we’ve learned with the pandemic you can get more than one infection at a time,” Lamb said.

That’s leading people to have weakened immune systems causing these cases to spike. Lamb told Channel 11 he doesn’t think this is the end. Following the holidays, he believes COVID cases will keep rising and flu numbers too.

Since it’s all viral, he doesn’t believe it’s necessary to run to the doctor’s office.

“It comes down to taking good care of yourself especially during the holiday season. Try to get rest, try to eat well, try to stay on your normal routine of exercise all of these things help build our immune system and it will help,” Lamb said.

Channel 11 asked people how they are coping with the rising cases and most said they know it’s bound to hit them at some point and just want to make sure they come out healthy on the other end.

“There’s always a concern you are going to get sick again I’ve been fully vaccinated, boosted and caught covid twice it’s always a threat so I’m just looking to return to a normal life,” said Isaac Schiffman who lives in Forest Hills.

“As long as I know they are eating well and drinking well is all I can ask for. Everyone gets sick there’s just nothing can do to stop it,” Harper said.

Dr. Lamb does advise if you are going out in big crowds for New Years to at least carry a mask as some protection. Also remember to keep washing your hands and disinfecting to prevent spreading even more germs.

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