As the country steps into the new year, a noticeable surge in respiratory illnesses has been reported nationwide, and health experts anticipate that the numbers may continue to rise through the end of the month.
The post-new year period traditionally sees an uptick in respiratory issues, attributed to larger gatherings and increased transmission. According to the latest data from the State Department of Public Health, nearly 17 percent of emergency room visits are linked to respiratory illnesses, with COVID-19 emerging as the primary cause.
Between December 17th and the 23rd, approximately 6,000 confirmed or probable COVID-19 cases were reported. These figures mirror those from the same week last year, although cases skyrocketed to almost 17,000 after the New Year festivities.
Baystate Health's wastewater surveillance data has detected a rise in COVID-19 cases, prompting the reinstatement of a mask mandate for all hospital visitors. In response to the expected surge post-holidays, some individuals have taken extra precautions to maintain their health.
Steven Kravetz from Holyoke shared his preventive measures, stating, "I’m primarily plant-based, so I don’t eat meat, eggs, dairy, things like that. That keeps me pretty healthy. I also work out four to five times a week for an hour to an hour and a half each time; that also keeps me pretty healthy."
Connor Bouchard of Springfield emphasized the importance of healthy habits, saying, "I take medicines, I get vaccines, and I eat healthy food. That’s three really good things that you can do to keep yourself safe."
Despite varying approaches to staying healthy, vaccines continue to be the top-recommended practice for protection.
