ST. LOUIS – Volunteers at Fish Fry’s were busy preparing meals at a time when respiratory viruses have kept doctors busy.
Carol Powell is chair of the Friday fish fries at St. Alphonsus Rock Catholic Church in north St. Louis. She said the event has become a popular social gathering for church and community members, as well as a fundraiser.
“We have the best fish in the Lou,” she said.
Also on Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updated recommendations for staying healthy.
The Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services is also reminding residents about new information from the CDC regarding COVID boosters for older patients.
Dr. Farrin Manian, an infectious disease physician and chairman of the department of medicine at Mercy St. Louis, said doctors are continuing to see COVID patients and influenza cases.
However, the number of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases has dropped in the St. Louis area in recent weeks, according to Dr. Manian.
In addition to staying up-to-date on COVID vaccinations, it’s not too late to receive a flu shot.
“Influenza season can go on until May or sometimes even later,” he said.
Dr. Manian discussed signs someone should seek immediate medical attention, including the inability to keep food down and becoming dehydrated, a relentless fever, feeling as if you are going to pass out or shortness of breath from normal behavior such as walking.
“That could potentially mean that the virus is going down to the lungs and that’s a more severe form of the disease,” he said. “I would definitely recommend that you see a physician or medical provider as quickly as possible.”
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