LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville doctors are seeing coughing, sniffling and sneezing at the start of the new year.

After large gatherings around the holidays, Louisville doctors are noticing a spike in COVID, flu, RSV and strep throat cases. RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a common cause of mild cold-like symptoms, but it can be dangerous for infants and older people.

This year, the symptoms are presenting a bit differently, according to a doctor with UofL Health.

"Interestingly, in the past, strep throat has really been one of those things where especially in adults you get the sore throat, you get fever, you don't tend to have a cough or nasal congestion, well this year it didn't read the textbook," said Dr. Luz Fernandez. "So we have patients coming in who have the cough, who have respiratory symptoms, who have nasal congestion and sore throat and are testing positive for strep."

It is typical to see a spike in respiratory-related sicknesses in January. The illnesses usually start to decline in February. Doctors said despite that, it's not too late to get vaccinated for COVID-19, the flu and RSV.

Doctors encourage people to wash hands, avoid touching the face and stay home if you're sick. 

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