Healthcare providers urge residents to take precautions amid the increased risk for respiratory illnesses like the flu, COVID-19 and RSV.

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - As temperatures begin to drop, the risk for respiratory illnesses like the flu, COVID-19 and RSV is increasing. Healthcare providers urge residents to take precautions. 

"Anytime you're having a fever, cough, shortness of breath ... you need to be seen even if there's not an uptick in the community," Clinical Director of Memorial Care, Dr. Anna Richie said.  

Richie oversees several memorial urgent care clinics across Central Illinois. She said the area has not seen an uptick in any respiratory viruses. Vaccinations can fight against many illnesses, especially for people with pre-existing health conditions.  

"Someone that is really young or the older population has diabetes, we really encourage you to get your flu shot, COVID shot, or even consider an RSV shot," Richie said.  

Clean, contain, cover. These are three steps Richie said can protect you from viruses. Clean: wash your hands. Contain: If you're sick, stay home for 24 hours if you have a fever. The last step is cover, meaning if you are sneezing or coughing to cover your mouth. 

"When you're not sick, you're not coughing and spreading it to others, so by you getting the vaccine, you are also helping others," Richie added.  

The most important step is to keep your area clean and stay home to prevent the spread of germs. Though the area has not seen an increase in respiratory illnesses, Richie said that can quickly change. 

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