WORCESTER, Mass. - Saint Vincent Hospital chief of medicine Dr. George Abraham said flu activity around Worcester County has been relatively low, but that could change as more people start to gather for the holidays.
The hospital is reporting nothing unusual when it comes to flu, RSV or COVID cases. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Abraham said more people tend to take precautions when they are sick limiting the spread of respiratory illnesses.
In order to keep these cases down, Abraham recommends staying mindful this winter when celebrating the holidays with family and friends.
“If we are unwell, we should avoid a gathering because it is our personal responsibility not only to ourselves, but to everyone else at that gathering," he said. "It’s not fair to get everyone else sick around the holidays, it would just ruin everyone else’s time. Number two, obviously carrying a little hand sanitizer and frequently washing our hands.”
Most importantly, Abraham said it’s not too late to get a flu shot. They're offered until March 31, but he said sooner is better than later.