COVID uptick prompts advisory from Rome Health

ROME

As the number of COVID-19 cases increase in the region, Rome Health reminds people to take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other viral respiratory illnesses.

“Most COVID cases are not reported. However, hospitalizations due to COVID are still tracked and provide a reliable indicator when COVID infections are on the rise in the community,” said Rome Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Cristian Andrade.

“After several months with very few COVID hospitalizations, the numbers have increased in August in the Central New York region. We’re also seeing increases in other viral respiratory illnesses,” Andrade said. “We’re anticipating this wave to continue as children return to school and people spend more time indoors.”

According to the New York State Department of Health, which still operates a daily COVID tracker of reported cases, there were 51 reported confirmed positive COVID cases in Herkimer, Lewis, Madison and Oneida counties for the week ending Saturday, Aug. 26. That is up from a low of three reported positive cases for the region for the week ending Saturday, May 13. Health experts say the uptick in cases is a result of both a new variant making its way across the state as well as students and staff returning to college and larger indoor gatherings.

Although most people experience mild cases, the virus still disrupts our daily lives,” said Dr. Michael Attillio, a family practitioner at Rome Health Primary Care. “People miss work, school, sports activities and special events. So, it’s still important to be proactive and protect yourself, your family and our community.”

Attillio reminds people who are experiencing any respiratory symptoms, regardless of cause, to wear a mask as source control, to avoid spreading germs to others. Attillio recommends that people have COVID test kits available at home to easily test themselves if they begin to experience symptoms.

Symptoms include:

• Fever or chills;

• Cough;

• New loss of taste or smell;

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing;

• Fatigue;

• Muscle or body aches;

• Headache;

• Sore throat;

• Congestion or runny nose;

• Nausea or vomiting; and

• Diarrhea.

If you test positive for COVID-19

It you test positive, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still advises people to stay home for at least 5 days and isolate from others in your home. Wear a high-quality mask if you must be around others at home or to seek medical care.

• If you’re low risk, stay home and avoid contact with other people. You can recover at home and treat symptoms with over-thecounter medicines, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), to help you feel better.

• If you’re high risk, call your provider to begin treatment with COVID-19 antiviral medications to lower your risk of severe illness, hospitalization or death. Those at high risk of severe illness include people 50 and older and people with chronic conditions, such as lung disease, heart disease, diabetes or a weakened immune system.

• If you’re having trouble breathing or experiencing other severe symptoms, call 911 and seek Emergency Medical Care. Especially, if you are experiencing severe symptoms and you are at high risk, seek medical attention immediately.

Prevention

“Like the flu and RSV, COVID is a seasonal virus that is here to stay and we need to continue to take standard precautions to stay healthy,” Dr. Andrade said. The key to preventing serious illness and spread of COVID-19 and other viral respiratory illnesses is to take precautions:

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating.

• Avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and discard it in a closed container.

• Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects.

• Consider wearing a mask to reduce your chance of exposure.