The start of cooler temperatures usually means the beginning of cold and flu season. Washington County Hospital and Clinics provides a weekly respiratory illness snapshot for the community. 

Last week, the community continued to see low activity for respiratory illnesses. There were no reported cases of COVID-19 or RSV, and flu activity remained low. Strep continues to be elevated, so it is best to keep an eye out for symptoms like sore throat and fever. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control, strep throat is a bacterial infection in the throat and tonsils. Healthcare providers can do a quick test to see if a sore throat is strep throat. Antibiotics can help people with strep throat feel better faster. Speak with a healthcare provider if you have concerns about strep throat. If you or your child has a strep A infection, you should stay away from daycare, school or work for 24 hours after you start taking antibiotics. This will help stop the infection spreading to other people.