Health officials are urging you to take proper precautions when it comes to protecting yourself from respiratory illnesses. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is reporting a surge in hospital visit-inducing respiratory illnesses across the state, but especially in northeastern Wisconsin. Overall, respiratory illness activity is very high in the region, with 23 percent of emergency department visits related to an ailment like COVID-19, RSV, and Influenza. It has been at 15 percent or higher since October 19th. By virus type, COVID-19 activity has been high, while RSV and influenza activity has been moderate. Earlier this month, Shauna Blackledge from the Door County Public Health Department said there are things you can do to keep yourself from getting seriously sick.

According to the Green Bay Press-Gazette, DHS respiratory disease epidemiologist Tom Haupt expects respiratory illnesses to peak at the beginning of February.