LONGVIEW, Texas — East Texas-area doctors are seeing a lot of patients with flu-like symptoms.
According to a map from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu activity is high in Texas and the level is labeled as "very high" across the border in Louisiana.
With so many illnesses on the rise, physicians said there are telltale symptoms to be aware of this time of year.
Dr. Jennie Zheng, a family medicine physician at UT Health East Texas Physicians in Bullard, said as they get sick, people can start feeling mild cold-like symptoms, such as cough and congestion.
"They don't necessarily have to have a fever, but if they do, usually, they could have body aches, some sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea," Zheng said.
Zheng said if people experience any of those symptoms, they should get tested for RSV, flu and COVID-19. Not only is it important to be aware of the symptoms, but you also need to know how these viruses spread.
"Sometimes it's through air droplets and then contact with other objects as well," Zheng said.
To protect from the germs, Shawn Sams, pharmacist and owner of Louis Morgan Drugs #4, recommended using vitamin D and C as well as zinc. He also encouraged people to practice good hygiene like washing their hands, covering their mouth by sneezing into an elbow and try not to be in small spaces with a lot of people.
For those headed to the drug store for over-the-counter cold meds, they might see some empty shelves.
"In the last probably six months or so, we've experienced a lot of shortages of over-the-counter items and prescription items both," Sams said.
Those who do feel sick are encouraged to not go to work and stay at home.