Phoebe on recent rise in respiratory illnesses

ALBANY, Ga. – We may be entering spring time, but the Phoebe Health System is seeing a spike in sick cases from the winter months.

CBS 44’s Brian Roche has more.

While things are starting to warm up in Southwest Georgia again, the temperature isn’t the only thing on the rise. As the Phoebe Health System tells us they’ve seen an increase in respiratory illness over the last few weeks.

Phoebe resident, Dr. David Dukes says they’ve seen a spike, specifically in Flu and RSV cases since the start of the year.

“The numbers are, you know, going up, like you mentioned before, but potentially maybe due to the holidays gathering or just the season, you know, the weather changes as well causes the increase. And, so, you know, it’s very important during winter time, fall winter that we actually, acknowledge this and be cognizant of these respiratory illnesses,” said Dr. David Dukes, Phoebe Resident.

According to the health system, they’ve admitted over 200 people for flu, and over 50 people for RSV since December.

In fact, Dr. Dukes tells us it’s affected members of the Phoebe staff as well.

“…Anyone who comes in contact with it, they can be affected. They have the potential to be infected. And it’s important to wear a mask, to wear PPE in that situation,” said Dr. Dukes.

And… while we’re starting to see less and less cold weather, as we deal with more wet weather, we could see more cases.

So, there are a couple things you can do to make sure you aren’t getting yourself and the people around you sick.

“It’s important to make sure you’re distancing yourself, practicing good hygiene, handwashing. It’s very easy to come in contact with someone and actually get the viral illness if you are in contact with somebody,” said Dr. Dukes.

For now, the Phoebe Health System is keeping an eye on how Flu numbers could fluctuate as we head into the spring.

The current round of Flu shots in Georgia will be available through March.

Brian Roche reporting.

Copyright 2025 CBS 44 News South Georgia. All rights reserved.