COVID-19 is getting some company.
Huron Perth Public Health is reporting the circulation of several infectious viruses including influenza A, adenovirus, human metapneumovirus, enterovirus/rhinovirus, and parainfluenza.
The symptoms of those infections are similar to COVID-19 and may include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, and muscle aches.
In a release, public health officials say they are also seeing cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease in young children and an increase in norovirus, a virus that causes diarrhea and vomiting.
Huron Perth's medical officer of health says it's not surprising to see the return of other viruses now that most pandemic restrictions have been lifted.
“Many of the public health measures that have been in place over the past two years, such as masking, physical distancing, frequent cleaning and disinfecting, and limiting close contacts helped to prevent not only COVID, but also other viruses from spreading,” said Dr. Miriam Klassen, Medical Officer of Health for Huron Perth in a release. “With most measures lifted and people having more contact with others, it is not surprising that we are seeing the return of other viruses. If you are sick, please stay home to avoid spreading illness to others.”
You are still urged to stay home if you are sick, since the symptoms of these viruses are also associated with COVID-19.
You are also urged to get your flu shot.
