SAN DIEGO — Local doctors are warning about an increase in winter illnesses, just as families plan their thanksgiving celebrations.
Kaiser Permanente San Diego is reporting a significant increase in stomach flu cases. Dr. Brynn Taylor, a physician at Kaiser Permanente San Diego, says her office is seeing more patients with symptoms like fever, belly pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Local daycares are also reporting outbreaks.
“If you’re in shared spaces and places, whether that’s a preschool, a daycare, a school, a work environment, that’s where we see these things start to spread,” Dr. Taylor said.
In addition to the stomach flu, other illnesses are on the rise. New San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency data shows a 109-case increase in flu cases compared to the previous week, though numbers remain lower than last year. COVID-19 cases are also ticking up slightly, with 43 more cases reported this week. However, both COVID-19 and RSV numbers are significantly lower than last year’s surge.
Rady Children’s Hospital recently reported an increase in pediatric cases of whooping cough and walking pneumonia.
To prevent the spread of illness, health experts recommend several measures:
- Isolation: If someone in your household becomes sick, isolate them as much as possible, especially when it comes to shared spaces like bathrooms.
- Hygiene: Practice good hygiene, including frequent handwashing and disinfecting surfaces.
- Vaccination: Stay up-to-date on vaccinations, especially for flu and COVID-19.
If you’re feeling sick, consult your healthcare provider and stay home. For severe symptoms, seek emergency medical attention.