Infectious illnesses are on the rise in the San Luis Valley, and they have been causing some disruptions in childcare facilities and places of work.
Local healthcare providers are seeing more COVID-19, colds, flu, RSV, and unidentified respiratory viruses.
RSV, which is short for respiratory syncytial virus, is usually mild for most people, but it can be serious in young children. According to the CDC, RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children 1 year and under.
The rate of COVID-19 related hospital admissions in the SLV during the past week was higher than it has been since early March of this year.
If you have cold or allergy symptoms, do a home COVID test before deciding to be in public. You may also get the more sensitive PCR test at a provider or the free community testing site on the ASU campus; results take 48-72 hours.
Prevent the spread of illness by washing hands frequently and staying away from others when you have symptoms of illness, even if they are just mild symptoms such as the sniffles or a mild cough. If it isn’t possible to stay at home when you have symptoms, protect yourself and others by wearing a well-fitting, high-quality mask such as an N-95 when you are around others.
Those with more severe symptoms should see a provider. Certain persons who have COVID or another illness may need treatment.
