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Both La Crosse medical centers are seeing many more patients with flu-like symptoms, and La Crosse schools have had higher absenteeism rates this past week.
“Our part of the state is seeing more cases, but influenza is hitting hard everywhere,” said Bridget Pfaff, a Gundersen Lutheran infection control specialist. “We expect to see cases peak this time of the year, so really it is nothing out of the ordinary.”
Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald, family medicine physician at Franciscan Skemp’s Onalaska Clinic, said he’s seeing mostly adults with influenza and infants with RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), the most common cause of respiratory infections and pneumonia among infants and children younger than 1.
“The respiratory illnesses are more prevalent right now,” Fitzgerald said.
He said people should stay home if they have flu symptoms, which include high fever, severe body aches, coughing and headaches. Children with RSV will have coughing spells, wheezing and severe shortness of breath, he said.
“What may be a common cold for you and me could be RSV for any infant, and that can cause hospitalization,” Pfaff said.
Lynda Narish Johnson, coordinator of nursing services for La Crosse schools, said she has seen an increase in influenza, pneumonia and strep throat in students.
La Crosse County Health Department still has limited flu vaccine supplies for adults and children. Pfaff said the availability of flu vaccine is limited in the La Crosse area.
“It’s a good time to practice good hygiene,” Pfaff said. “Mom was right when she said we should wash our hands thoroughly, cover our mouths when coughing and avoid close contact with sick people.”
Terry Rindfleisch can be reached at trindfleisch@lacrossetribune.com, or (608) 791-8227.
