LOUISVILLE, Ky. —  Norton Healthcare’s Dr. Paul Schulz says large indoor holiday gatherings are a set up for influenza-like illnesses to spread, but since Thanksgiving, flu, COVID, and RSV cases have only increased slightly. 

At Norton Healthcare flu cases are up 3% and COVID cases went up by 0.6%.

“It’s only been a few days since the holiday ended and most of the incubation periods for these things are more than a couple of days,” said Schulz. 

The infectious disease specialist says the range before people start to experience symptoms of these illnesses is about four days, making Monday the soonest he’d expect to see a significant increase. 

“Unfortunately, people can be contagious prior to the development of symptoms, but still we have people that even though they’re symptomatic go to work, they go to social events and that’s a big problem,” says Schulz. 

Schulz says people no longer social distancing, hand washing and wearing masks could be another factor in rising cases. 

“Fall of 2020, you don’t see nearly as much of any of these illnesses,” said Schulz. “I think unfortunately we’re in a time where those things aren’t happening anymore, and we’ll probably see a rise in infectious after the holiday.”

He says taking advantage of readily available immunizations for these illnesses is the best protection for yourself and others. 

“That’s another thing for people to remember. It may not be a life-threatening situation for you but it may be for someone else,” said Schulz. 

That’s something to keep in mind as Christmas approaches.