Flu, RSV and COVID continue to stress healthcare system

Our healthcare system is being tested yet again; This time, three illnesses are behind it.

The flu, is striking hard – with cases nationwide more than a dozen times higher than around this time last year. There are also concerns around RSV.

And another virus we have been battling for years now.

“COVID is still the background, but it is not gone," said Dr. Jose Cabanas.

Dr. Cabanas is Wake County’s chief medical officer; He worries all of these illnesses together could overwhelm our healthcare system – from EMS to our emergency rooms.

“When we have capacity challenges in the health care delivery system, then the priority is to ensure that the life-threatening and more acute emergencies are taken care of more rapidly,” said Cabanas.

For other medical issues, wait times could potentially grow.

Health experts said the fast spread comes as many of us relax precautions we previously took around COVID – and as we begin to gather again.

But Cabanas said there are things you can do to protect yourself.

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“Get your flu shot, make sure you are being cognizant of your contacts," said Cabanas. "Wash your hands, not touching your face. Make sure you get your covid booster shot.”

The same advice is coming from the White House.

“The most important thing you can do to prepare for your holidays is to get your updated covid vaccine,” said First Lady Jill Biden.

Another way to relieve our local health care system – go to the hospital emergency department if you are at high risk or have concerning symptoms; Other visits may be able to be handled by a primary care physician.