Plenty Of Illnesses Going Around

BELLEVUE, Pa. — (WPXI) – It’s hard to find someone who hasn’t come down with something this month. “Yea they’ve gotten sick but nothing too severe or I’ve had to take them to the hospital,” said Allison Park mom Valerie Harper. Haper has two little ones and knows firsthand what it’s like dealing with the constant sniffles and colds. She’s not alone, a multitude of viral infections are making it’s rounds in western Pennsylvania. “We are actually seeing numbers of everything. Covid numbers are going up, especially people testing at home, we are seeing increased numbers in the hospitals. We are seeing increased numbers of the flu; flu really took off this fall and we aren’t even deep into flu season,” said Allegheny Health Network Dr. Brian Lamb. Combine that with RSV cases and the common cold, Dr. Lamb said it’s a perfect storm that will last you several weeks.  That’s leading people to have weakened immune systems causing these cases to spike. Lamb told our news partners at Channel 11 he doesn’t think this is the end. Following the holidays, he believes COVID cases will keep rising and flu numbers too. Dr. Lamb does advise if you are going out in big crowds for New Years to at least carry a mask as some protection. Also remember to keep washing your hands and disinfecting to prevent spreading even more germs.