SACRAMENTO, Calif — Respiratory illnesses are on the rise, and COVID hospitalizations have increased for seven straight weeks.
Some hospital systems in at least eight states, including California, have returned to indoor masking.
A local medical expert said the Sacramento region has been hit hard as well, but there's no shortage of tools to keep people healthy in the winter.
"We've seen a lot of movement in respiratory illnesses, everything from congestion, pressure underneath the eyes, maybe a slight headache," said Sonya Frausto, owner of 10 Acres Pharmacy.
She said the pharmacy has seen strep throat and positive COVID cases.
At least 31 states and Washington D.C. are experiencing high or very high levels of respiratory illnesses.
The CDC estimates 4,500 people nationwide have died from the flu this season with a growing number of people admitted to the hospital, at least 30,000 COVID hospitalizations happened last week. Some hospital systems in at least eight states are returning to indoor masking, with California, Wisconsin, Illinois, North Carolina, Philadelphia and New York being among them.
"There's a lot to be aware of as you're going out, whether you're going to a Kings game, whether you are taking care of your children who are going to daycare, you are seeing a lot of respiratory illnesses," said Frausto.
People are being encouraged to get vaccinated and stay home if they're sick, especially children and older adults.
With the holiday rush at an end, Frausto said now is the time to focus on oneself.
"January is really a time that I think we should do self care, taking care of your body listening to your body, getting the rest, the hydration," said Frausto. "Just practicing mindfulness, taking that time to stop, slow down so that way your immune system can recover and take care of you."
The CDC said vaccinations are down this year with 44% of adults getting their flu shot before Christmas. Since early December, only 19% of adults are getting their updated COVID-19 vaccine.
Frausto said in the Sacramento region, there is no shortage of vaccines, cold and flu medicine or antibiotics.
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