If you have a tickle in your throat or are developing a cough, you’re not alone.
Across the country, people are falling ill after holiday gatherings. The CDC reports that respiratory illnesses are currently at high levels in Tennessee, with a surge in cases of COVID-19, RSV, and the flu.
Dr. Shawn Pruitt, of Pruitt’s Discount Pharmacy, said the high levels of illness in the area are reflected in the city’s wastewater.
“In the wastewater for Nashville, large amounts of COVID-19, RSV, and the flu are showing up,” Pruitt said. “That’s a good indicator these things are going around.”
As a result, foot traffic has increased at Pruitt’s Discount Pharmacy as people rush in for remedies and preventive treatments to protect themselves from viruses.
“Go ahead and take preventive steps — vitamin C and vitamin D, avoid dairy or sugar, and, of course, Dr. Pruitt’s potion,” he advised.
But many Tennesseans are already in full battle mode. Vanderbilt University Medical Center has reported a rise in flu cases, which is expected, according to Dr. Todd Rice, director of the Medical Intensive Care Unit.