COVID Surge Hits Madison County: COVID cases are on the rise in North Alabama’s largest county, and Madison County, despite having the highest vaccination and booster rates, leads the state in the number of cases. The latest data from the U.S. COVID tracker reveals this concerning trend.
Healthcare professionals in Madison County are witnessing an uptick in COVID, RSV, and flu cases. Haven Brolsma, a nurse practitioner at Approxie Urgent Care, shared insights into the current situation.
We are still seeing a lot of cases of COVID. Since 2020, it went away but it’s come back and it’s never left. On some days we could see up to 3 to 4 cases or up to 15 to 20 cases. Were also seeing a lot of RSV, flu, and strep right now too. A lot of patients are vaccinated, some have only gotten their first 2 injections and havent got the booster. But were still seeing some cases of patients getting COVID, but the symptoms are less likely to be severe, Brolsma stated.
Interestingly, patients with allergy-like symptoms, such as itchiness, are testing positive for COVID. With flu season underway, Approxie Urgent Care utilizes a test that checks for both COVID and the flu.
You are still seeing like the main thing of sore throat, and some patients have had conjunctivitis, not just a fever and loss of taste and smell. There are some different types of symptoms that people dont think is COVID. Some patients are coming in thinking it’s allergies, and were really trying to recommend them to get tested because we are seeing a lot of positive cases with different types of symptoms, Brolsma added.
While most vaccinated patients at the urgent care experience milder symptoms, Brolsma emphasizes the importance of staying vigilant if one has COVID, particularly if there’s a high fever or serious respiratory problems.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Fever, cough, and difficulty breathing are all signs of COVID-19. If your body temperature reaches 99.6 degrees or higher, it could be a symptom of the virus. A persistent cough and feeling like you can’t catch your breath are also common indicators. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention and get tested for COVID-19. Don’t ignore these warning signs, as early detection and treatment are crucial. Stay vigilant and prioritize your health and safety.