Arissa Viering | Goodday Mineral Wells | 10/26/2020 | COVID-19 Updates | Health | Palo Pinto General Hospital Updates
PALO PINTO COUNTY, TX – This winter will be quite different this year and the holiday season simply won’t be the same thanks to COVID-19. While most winter seasons come with their fair share of colds, flu, and more, this season is only likely to show an increase in the number of illnesses spread. The United States as a whole is preparing for it and Palo Pinto County will soon be doing the same.
In the last week, Palo Pinto County has seen an increase in COVID-19 positive cases with a 10% rise in the last six days of total positive cases. TX-DSHS is now reporting 25 active cases, however, this does not include the additional seventy total positive cases that PPGH has reported on 10/26/2020. The true numbers for active cases won’t be updated until the state reports the additional cases in the coming days. The community of Mineral Wells has already adjusted so much of its daily routine to discourage transmission of COVID-19. However, COVID-19 is not the only illness that citizens will need to be concerned with in the very near future.
As of October 17th, 2020, TX DSHS is already starting to see positive cases of Influenza A and B starting on the Texas coastlines. Each year, RSV is another virus that makes its rounds throughout Texas. Luckily, as of 10/21/2020, the RSV season has not yet started (less than 10% of RSV tests reported are positive). Cases of adenovirus and rhino/enterovirus have also been occurring throughout Texas as well as of 10/23/2020. However, it is important to note the following as stated by TX DSHS: “In response to the COVID-19, influenza testing at Texas Public Health Laboratories has significantly decreased to increase capacity for SARS-CoV-2 testing.” With all of this being said, it’s difficult to predict what the upcoming flu season will look like. Yet, it’s easy to guess that COVID-19 mixed in with all of the usual winter illnesses simply won’t result in anything good. So, how can people work to prevent transmission? How can businesses help to reduce further transmission of all of these illnesses?
Dr. George Thomas, Internal Medicine Specialist at Palo Pinto General Hospital, recently provided a virtual “course” for local businesses in the area to review. This virtual lecture provides important guidelines that local businesses may follow to help keep the community safe during this time. Watch it below:
Another great way to reduce the potential for severe illness secondary to Influenza is to get your annual flu vaccine. Palo Pinto General Hospital does have flu vaccines available at this time should any Palo Pinto County residents be in need. To find out further information on flu prevention and the flu vaccine, click here.
The CDC has also recently released information regarding COVID-19 and how to prevent transmission during the holidays. To learn more information about these precautionary measures, click here.
Out of all of these reports and precautionary measures, the greatest piece of information that our team can report during this time is to remain vigilant in preventing illness while also being appreciative to first responders and health care providers within the Palo Pinto County community. The community has been enduring the COVID-19 pandemic for almost eight months now. The next few months will not be easy as more illnesses begin to arise.
Former Co-Founder | June 2020-Nov 2020 | Graduate of Texas Christian University with a background in medical anthropology, psychology, and creative writing. Passionate about writing novels. Loved the Mineral Wells community and all that it had offered her and her family.
