Health officials discuss surge in respiratory illnesses in Michiana
ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- As we head deeper into the winter months, respiratory illnesses continue to make an impact across Michiana.
St. Joseph County Health Department Health Officer Dr. Michelle Migliore says Indiana is currently experiencing its highest annual levels of major viruses including the flu, COVID-19, and RSV.
While these numbers fluctuate, she says they remain in line with typical seasonal patterns.
"I think that we're going to see probably about the same levels but decreasing. I think we've already basically hit our peak season for these viruses. So, the good news is that two-fold. One is that, hopefully that we'll see a decreased number of the viruses," Migliore said.
Dr. Migliore says younger children under five and older adults over 65, along with those with underlying health conditions, are at the highest risk of getting sick.
She says vaccination remains one of the best ways to prevent severe symptoms and complications.
She says make sure to cover your coughs, sneeze into your elbows, making sure you're washing your hands frequently and stay home if you are sick.
Her biggest piece of advice? Listen to your body.
Flu season is also hitting Michigan, with hospitals and doctors' offices seeing a surge in respiratory illnesses.
But according to Berrien County Health Department Epidemiologist Sara Palmer, it's whooping cough that's now a high priority.
"The biggest concerning thing with respiratory illnesses that we're seeing is actually whooping cough. We've had a huge increase in whooping cough cases. This has not gone down. We've actually had five confirmed cases already, just this month in January, and we're at 11 cases since August. We're seeing a lot of cases, and that's just confirmed cases. We have to realize that's just the tip of the iceberg," Palmer said.
Whooping cough can start like a common cold but worsens over time as it leads to severe, prolonged coughing spells where it makes it difficult to breathe and may even cause vomiting.
Michigan reports high vaccination rates against flu and COVID-19 in Berrien County but whooping cough is covered by a vaccine many people get as a baby. If you aren't protected, you can still get a shot for whooping cough as an adult.
Palmer says the best way to avoid getting sick is simply by washing your hands, staying home if you are sick and to get vaccinated.
Both say your own doctor's office is the strongest go-to for questions about any sickness you're feeling.