McKenzie Health prepared for spike in respiratory illness
M.K. French
Farmer Staff Writer
A recent uptick in respiratory illnesses across the state has caused some concern, but residents of McKenzie County can breathe a sigh of relief. While McKenzie Health has seen an increase in cases this season, David Adeyeye, Infection Control Coordinator at McKenzie Health, reports that the trends in the county are lower than the state average.
“We have seen a higher number of respiratory illnesses,” Adeyeye said, “but the recent data revealed that the trends in our county are lower compared to those at the state level.” This is positive news for McKenzie County residents, but it doesn’t mean there isn’t cause for caution. Adeyeye says the most frequently seen illnesses are Covid-19 and Influenza, with a few RSV cases. Most cases are mild to moderate, with no significant increase in hospitalizations.
Protecting Yourself and Others
McKenzie Health is well-equipped to handle the uptick in cases, and wait times for appointments remain normal. Adeyeye emphasizes the importance of preventative measures to slow the spread of respiratory illnesses. “The best way to prevent respiratory illness is to stay up-to-date with your vaccinations as they are one of the first lines of protection,” Adeyeye advised. “Practice good hand washing and stay home if you exhibit symptoms of a respiratory illness.” McKenzie Health offers vaccinations for Influenza, RSV, and Covid-19, and Adeyeye encourages residents to visit the hospital if they experience a high fever, shortness of breath, or severe coughing/wheezing.
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