By Sherry Larson
People’s Defender
‘Tis the season for upper respiratory infections, including Influenza and the infamous COVID.
Last week, The Defender was scheduled to interview Adams County Health Commissioner Dr. William Hablitzel, but this reporter found herself among those infected. Although negative for COVID, it was a miserable week of coughing, body aches, dizziness, and basic yuckiness. As the week progressed, four Defender staff members would be home with the crud in one form or the other. Dr. Hablitzel was gracious to interview by phone.
Hablitzel explained that COVID is likely with us for “the foreseeable future, just a little different.” He continued, “The original virus underwent some mutations, and one of the earlier variants was Omicron and hit us sort of hard.” There are numerous variants, and all of them are related. “There’s no way to track the bottom line,” said Hablitzel, describing the lack of reporting. Many people are testing at home, and the data isn’t accessible. The best data is based on hospitalizations. We do know that those numbers are going up in southwestern Ohio and Adams County.
The CDC reported on a data sampling last week, and more than 24 variants were circulating through the country from Omicron. The variant infections seem milder and less severe for most folks.
Why are we seeing more infections? Dr. Hablitzel suggests we aren’t taking preventative measures like wearing masks and sanitizing the way we did with the earlier COVID outbreak, or these variants are more infectious. “Bottom line, it is moving rapidly throughout the community,” said Hablitzel.
Many upper respiratory infections are on the rise, including the common cold, and they can be severe. Dr. Hablitzel explained, “COVID-19 can still be a serious disease, especially for those with pre-existing health conditions, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, anything that suppresses the immune system, and the elderly.” He cautions not to dismiss the risk factors for COVID or Influenza. It’s essential to get tested because there are effective and helpful medications for both to help reduce the chance of serious illness. Dr. Habilitzel shared that the medication needs to start early in the disease.
Dr. Habilitzel’s ultimate advice when you have upper respiratory infection symptoms is, “If you are sick – STAY HOME!” Keep the kids home – don’t go to work. Keep the germs from spreading.”
Free test kits are available at the Adams County Health Department. COVID.gov is offering four free COVID tests by mail. The CDC and FDA have approved and recommended the COVID vaccine/booster available at retail pharmacies, including SOMC and Walmart. Adams County was the second-lowest county in Ohio to obtain the vaccine last year. Dr. Hablitzel advises those who are at risk to consider the vaccine.
The government is providing the Adams County Health Department with vaccines for those people who do not have insurance. Call the Health Department to determine other availability.