Prepping for the flu/RSV season as cases begin to increase

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - As temperatures begin to turn cold, local hospitals and healthcare workers are bracing for cases of the flu and RSV to rise over the coming months.

This season has expected to see a decrease in numbers compared to the previous few. The presence of an RSV vaccine will play a major part in that.

According to Dr. Joseph Khabbaza with the Cleveland Clinic, the general increased awareness of people will also lead to a decrease in cases.

“We’re very equipped to handle all of these diseases due to the experience of the last few years,” Dr. Khabbaza said.

October into November is typically when we see the steady increase in cases of both the flu and RSV culminating in the dead of winter seeing the most cases. That trend, however, has seen some changes since COVID 19. According to state data 2022-2023 saw its peak months before previous years.

Experts like Dr. Khabbaza suggest getting the flu vaccine to avoid getting seriously sick, and socially isolating when feeling sick.

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