It’s been a busy few weeks for local health care providers as people of all ages battle lingering infections.
Cases of the flu, COVID, pertussis, and other viruses are rising across the region and state. Schools are seeing significant absences, and many young children and their parents are staying home from daycare to help curb the spread.

Dr. Debra Johnston, a family medicine doctor at Avera Medical Group in Brookings, joined state health officials in warning last week — via a Brookings Register editorial (a sister publication) — that flu season has arrived.
She advises everyone to wash their hands, avoid touching their face, and steer clear of sick individuals whenever possible, as it can be difficult to distinguish between respiratory viruses.
Flu season is expected to peak in the area this month.
Johnston also urges those at high risk for complications to get tested. Influenza is treatable, she notes, and early diagnosis, especially for young children, adults over 65, or those with chronic health conditions, allows for medication to be started within the crucial first 48 hours.