Dr. Michaels shares message about respiratory illnesses

December 22, 2022

Dr. Michaels shares message about respiratory illnesses

MOBILE, Ala. — Dr. Kevin Philip Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County, would like to share this message with the community:

The “tripledemic” of respiratory illness effects much of the United States. Mobile County respiratory illnesses numbers have been trending downward since the rapid rise just before Thanksgiving. We are still above the established baseline for these illnesses.

We are still seeing COVID-19 in the community, along with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), parainfluenza, rhinovirus/enterovirus, and influenza. All these viruses make an individual or the family miserable.

Many pharmacies across the nation have put limits on the number of over-the-counter medicines customer can purchase to ensure that all have access.

Dr. Michaels states, “the treatment of many of the viral respiratory illnesses are supportive in nature, cough, decongestants, and anti-fever medications or simply rest and hydration. Also, minimize other causes through annual flu vaccination and getting boosted against COVID-19 if not already. ”

He goes on to encourage social distancing, hand washing, cough etiquette, and use of facial coverings in congested indoor spaces. To find a location to get your shots, visit https://www.vaccines.gov.