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Health officials say "viral load" contributes to spike in COVID cases and deaths

Huntsville Hospital Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Ali Hassoun says "viral load" is the number of virus in the community.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Recently we've seen an alarming number of deaths and cases due to COVID-19. Healthcare workers say it's because of two reasons.

One reason is what Huntsville Hospital Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Ali Hassoun calls "viral load", which is the number of virus in the community. Hassoun says there was more of it over the holiday break. Another reason for the climb in numbers is that infected people have waited too long to seek medical attention during the holidays.

"It's very important, the moment you get diagnosed, seek medical attention. And those who have risk-factors, we have the infusion - the monoclonal antibodies that we can use. And that needs to be given too early in the disease, it cannot be late because it's not beneficial," says Hassoun. 

Hassoun says the treatment is something that can be given now that wasn't available nine months ago.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a plethora of information on how to protect yourself and other from the coronavirus.  

The virus can easily spread from person to person, so the CDC recommends you stay at least 6-feet apart from people not in your household. The virus is spread through respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, breaths or talks, according to the CDC. Because of this, the CDC recommends you wear a cloth facemask when around others and in public. 

Additionally, the CDC recommends that you frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. 

Symptoms to look out for include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, a sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea, according to the CDC. 

Click here to find more COVID-19 information from the CDC. 

If you suspect you have the coronavirus, you should seek out testing and self-quarantine. 

Click here to find more COVID-19 information from the Alabama Department of Public Health. 

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