People around the country are getting one of three things you do not want this holiday season, even sending some to the hospital because of it. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services said earlier this week that they have seen increases in respiratory illnesses like RSV, COVID, and the flu in recent weeks as the number of holiday gatherings escalates. The Centers for Disease Control says 11 states, mainly around the south and southwest portions of the country, are seeing high levels of flu-like illnesses. Door County Medical Center Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jim Heise says that unless you do not feel like yourself, you may not even consider testing yourself for COVID or RSV. Luckily, Heise says they have not seen a huge increase in the number or severity of respiratory illnesses as of now.

He recommends washing your hands frequently and if you are concerned about getting other people sick, especially if they are older or have underlying medical conditions, to wear a mask.