Courtesy Image An illustration of the coronavirus provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

ALPENA — The 2023 winter season has seen an increase in COVID-19 cases in Alpena, Alcona, and Montmorency counties, but the severity of the illness has decreased as MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena officials report far fewer COVID-19 cases in the hospital.

Alpena County reported 108 confirmed infections from Oct. 17, the last time The News reported on COVID-19 cases, to Dec. 12. Last year, within the same timeframe, Alpena County saw 88 confirmed infections.

Alcona County saw 14 more confirmed cases this year and Montmorency County saw four more confirmed cases.

Presque Isle County saw fewer confirmed COVID-19 cases in 2023, with four fewer.

While cases have increased, Nicole Dahl, infection prevention nurse at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena, said the hospital has three patients affected mostly with COVID-19 and two patients most affected with influenza.

“Even then, if a COVID case is seen in the hospital, whether in the (emergency room) or admitted in as an inpatient, it’s never just COVID,” Dahl said. “I know the number of COVID patients bumped up around Thanksgiving, but it only lasted one week. And, if they have COVID, it’s not just that. It’s usually a combination of respiratory illnesses.”

She said current COVID-19 cases are not as severe as in previous years.

While COVID-19 cases are currently higher but less severe, this is only the beginning of the season in which people can easily contract respiratory illnesses.

According to health care officials, flu season usually runs from early December until February.

Sherry Warczynski, manager of infection prevention at MyMichigan, along with Dahl, said the best way to prevent any infections is to use sanitary common sense.

“Handwashing, staying home when you’re sick to prevent spreading it,” Warczynski said. “It’s everything we were taught in grade school. Vaccines can help protect you from some of these more spreadable illnesses.”

Warczynski said masks can help prevent giving or receiving any illnesses and immunocompromised people should wear one to protect themselves from respiratory viruses for the upcoming winter season.