Winter illnesses ‘skyrocketing’ in Monroe County

Rochester, New York (WHAM) — While the holiday rituals are behind us, another tradition is underway: winter illnesses are back with a vengeance.

Andrew Tantalo, a physician assistant at WellNow Urgent Care, said the spread of the disease is not slowing.

“(People) were with their families, hugging, sharing food, sharing close proximity, all inside, because it’s kind of cold, and then they separate, everyone’s sick,” he declared.

According to the Monroe County Respiratory Illness Dashboard, influenza appears to be most prevalent among local patients as of the week ending January 4.

“We get a lot of flu,” Tantalo said. “We get a lot of COVID and RSV, especially upon arrival, now it’s January, after the holidays, everyone is back together.”

Monroe County is reporting just over 3,000 COVID-19 cases, more than 2,500 RSV cases and nearly 2,000 flu cases since October 1.

“We have colds, sore throats, coughs, body aches, chills, etc.,” Tantalo said. “Unfortunately, the numbers right now, especially in Rochester, are skyrocketing and not slowing down.”

According to Tantalo, they are seeing another virus with sudden symptoms.

“Norovirus is a particularly ugly virus. You can feel fine in the morning, you go to work, you go to school, and then all of a sudden vomiting, diarrhea starts. Your whole gastro system -intestinal cords are on. Your appetite is gone,” Tantalo said. “Then, before you know it, an entire family gets sick. And unfortunately, you’re right, many household cleaning products don’t kill norovirus.”

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