HAZARD, Ky. (WYMT) – Both Pike County and Lawrence County schools have closed early for Christmas break because of low attendance due to illness.
Doctors say people here in Eastern Kentucky are experiencing respiratory illnesses such as colds, sinus infections and sore throats.
“Cold weather, you go from cold to hot and it just sets up the perfect environment for things to start growing in your throat and sinuses,” said Dr. Mitchell Wicker, Internist, ARH Hazard Clinic.
Another illness Dr. Wicker said is spreading is the flu, which he said is something to keep in mind as Christmas and New Year’s quickly approach.
“In our practice here, we’ve seen quite a bit, but I expect it to sort of build up over the next week or so, so this time of year you just see a big uptick,” Wicker said. “If you think you’re ill, stay home, see your healthcare provider.”
However, the best defense though is to get your flu shot, but Wicker said it’s important to remember the vaccine does not work right away, nor does it protect you from getting sick in general.
“That doesn’t mean you can go out of here and dive into a group of people who have the flu and feel protected, it will still take two weeks for that influenza vaccine to do you any good at all,” said Wicker. “It’s a flu vaccine, it means you still can get a cold, you can still get a sore throat, you can still get a lot of different things, it just gives you some immunity from the flu.”
Wicker said some reports indicate the current flu vaccine is only ten percent effective, however, he said it is still important to get the shot, as it can still help protect you.
Wicker also said they are not seeing the stomach virus here like it is being seen in other parts of the country.
And he said the best way to prevent yourself from getting sick is to cover your cough, wash your hands and get treated by a doctor if you do get sick.
