EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – Health officials are noticing more cases of the flu, RSV, and COVID-19 in the area and across Wisconsin. Hospitalizations are rising, with 116 for the flu, 77 for COVID, and 30 for RSV.
People of all ages are affected by these illnesses. If you have flu-like symptoms, it’s a good idea to take an at-home COVID test. Body aches or chills might suggest influenza, while respiratory issues could point to RSV.
Rachel Mukai, an epidemiologist with the Eau Claire City-County Health Department, explained that cold weather contributes to the spread of these viruses. “When it gets colder, we spend more time indoors, leading to closer contact,” she said. Unlike summer, where outdoor activities help reduce transmission, winter forces us into tighter spaces.
Mukai mentioned that the health department is still monitoring the situation and hasn’t determined if we’ve reached the peak of cases yet. She emphasized the importance of watching for fevers or respiratory symptoms. Staying healthy involves regular handwashing and getting vaccinated for COVID and the flu if you haven’t already.
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