A local health expert said COVID cases in the Upper Cumberland are expected to rise as we get deeper into the winter season.
Cookeville Regional Infection Prevention Manager Stephanie Etter said do not expect a severe rise in COVID cases. Etter said the outlook will be similar to last winter. Etter said CRMC is already seeing COVID cases starting to rise.
“COVID has just caught up with flu so to speak, as far as the numbers,” Etter said. “We were seeing a little bit of Flu, now we are seeing them in about equal numbers. So we are just seeing as much COVID here as we are the flu.”
Etter said it is no surprise to see an uptick in COVID cases during the winter, as people tend to be inside and closer together this time of year. Etter said taking prevention measures is the key to avoiding COVID this winter.
“Making sure that you are covering coughs and sneezes, and having everyday good habits to build your immune system, drink lots of water, get rest, talk to your physician about how you can boost your immune system,” Etter said. “Also, make sure that you are cleaning your hands often, not touching your face as much as possible.”
Etter said for some people, COVID is not as scary as it was just a few years ago. However, Etter said that does not mean COVID cannot be a real problem to some people.
“It’s certainly a risk to people who have pre-existing health conditions such as lung disease,” Etter said. “There is a higher risk of hospitalization with things like Flu and COVID if you have a pre-existing condition.”