BOISE, Idaho — November's time of year marks the holiday season and brings turkey and stuffing to tables across America - the holiday season can also bring sniffles, sneezes and stuffed-up sinuses.
With the weather getting cold and more people traveling, local clinics have seen an increasing number of respiratory viruses such as influenza and RSV.
Dr. Ann Weiss, a clinical supervisor for Primary Health, said they have seen COVID levels pretty on par with this time last year, however, Idaho has been off to a slower start to the flu and RSV season compared to last year.
"Right now we have stable wastewater levels that the state is reporting," Dr. Weiss said. "And we still have low hospitalizations, about where we were last year."
But with more people visiting family and traveling for turkey day, those numbers are anticipated to increase.
"We're expecting bigger jumps after the Thanksgiving holiday and everyone gets back from their travels," Dr. Weiss said. "We're prepared to do a lot of viral testing."
So, how can travelers stay healthy this holiday?
Dr. Weiss said one of the best prevention measures is awareness of what's going on in your community.
"Right now we're having pretty steady levels of COVID, increasing RSV and flu now," Dr. Weiss said. "When you know what's going on, you can kind of take the measures that you need to."
The Idaho Department of Health & Welfare tracks week-by-week rates of respiratory diseases, including influence and RSV, through Get Healthy Idaho.
Dr. Weiss said the number one thing you can do to stay safe from sickness is to be up-to-date on vaccines.
She also recommends staying home if you're feeling sick, getting tested, and avoiding large crowds or wearing a mask in busy areas.
"Especially in airports, Dr. Weiss said. "There's so much viral spread that happens there."
If you're feeling unwell, there are several signs and symptoms that should sound the alarm to get checked out.
"If you're developing a fever or cough, just not feeling well not able to eat or drink very well," Dr. Weiss said. "Those are all good reasons to come into any urgent care clinic and get some testing done."
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist:
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET NEWS FROM KTVB:
Download the KTVB News Mobile App
Apple iOS: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Watch news reports for FREE on YouTube: KTVB YouTube channel
Stream Live for FREE on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching 'KTVB'.
Stream Live for FREE on FIRE TV: Search ‘KTVB’ and click ‘Get’ to download.