Cases of COVID-19, the flu and other respiratory viruses are rising just as the holiday season peaks, but health experts say some familiar practices can help reduce the chances of getting ill.
Data released Thursday by the Minnesota Department of Health showed the hospitalization rates for COVID-19 increased but still were substantially lower than they were during the pandemic two years ago. Hospitalization rates for the flu also increased, while rates for RSV declined.
"We are seeing an increase in respiratory viral illness right now, as we normally do," said Melissa McMahon, senior epidemiologist for the state Department of Health. "This is the time of year when we start to see all that pick up."
How can people stay safe?
The same behaviors that people practiced during the pandemic can reduce the risk of contracting an illness in the next few weeks, when large gatherings make it easier for viruses to spread.
"The main risk is in exposing either people who are unvaccinated or who are otherwise at higher risk, so babies, pregnant people and older folks," said Dr. Hannah Lichtsinn, an internist and pediatrician at Hennepin Healthcare's downtown campus.
"If people's priority is to be healthy and able to attend their family gatherings in the next week, it's a great idea to avoid any other high-risk exposures," Lichtsinn said. "You don't have to self-isolate completely at home, but if you're going out with a group of people and you know someone has the sniffles, maybe sit that event out."
And if you're going to an area with crowds, Lichtsinn also suggests wearing a mask.