Maryland doctors warn of uptick in flu, COVID, other viruses
BALTIMORE -- If it's not you, chances are someone you know has been hit with a dreaded seasonal illness over the last month.
According to the CDC, COVID-19 is still on the rise in 36 states, and the flu is growing in 45 states. Maryland is on both lists.
"There's a really bad stomach bug at my daughter's school," said one Baltimore resident.
"The flu and some other illness, but mainly the flu," said another.
Dr. Leonard Raucher, with LifeBridge Health, says he's seen it all this season, even more than in years past, when it comes to illnesses.
"Sore throats, runny nose, fever, headaches, coughs, those sorts of things," Dr. Raucher said.
Ways to stay healthy
Dr. Raucher said the germs have always been there, and believes it's our habits that have changed to contribute to the uptick.
"Things that prevented COVID prevent all that other stuff too -- washing your hands, not touching your face, being careful about things, not going out when you're sick. But people are doing all those things," Dr. Raucher said.
Washing your hands, avoiding touching your face, and cleaning hard surfaces are all great ways to stay healthy.
Dr. Raucher says even if you test negative for COVID-19 and the flu, there is still one way to ensure you don't contribute to the spread of germs.
"If you test negative for all those things, you're still sick," Dr. Raucher said. "You know you're sick. You're coughing, you're sneezing, your eyes are running, your head is pounding. You know you feel bad…believe that. We certainly do. Stay home."
Dr. Raucher says if people continue to let their guard down with their health, his hope is that their immune systems will build back up so the sickly season will not be as rampant next year.
