Virginia Cunningham / News-Sun LOVINGTON — COVID, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are circulating through Lea County, and the flu is affecting people more than COVID said Nor-Lea Hospital CEO David Shaw. “We are seeing COVID positive tests at the highest levels since last year,” said Shaw. “The good news is it isn’t as severe.” All three viruses will possibly reach …

When Lea County rancher Matthew Sewalt transported by train his cattle to Nebraska pastures in 1918, he used rail cars from Seagraves, Texas, to Lubbock and then on to Kansas City, Mo., the city on the borders with Missouri, Kansas, and not far south of pastures in Nebraska. Sewalt probably was unaware of what had been happening in Kansas City …

Colds and the flu often occur around the same time of year and both have similar, unpleasant symptoms. While it can be hard to differentiate between the two, it’s important to distinguish the cause of your symptoms to determine the best course of treatment. The common cold The most common symptoms of a cold are within the respiratory system and …

The deadly flu of 1918 Stories from the Buckboard New Mexico, Texas and all of the lower 48 states are now suffering a flu epidemic. It is a dominant news story for 2018 which bears the unfortunate distinction of being the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of what became known as Spanish Influenza. In the early months of 1918 the …

Dora school district closes because of illness among staff DORA, N.M. (AP) — A small eastern New Mexico school district is closed due to illness among its staff. Interim Superintendent Brandon Hays of Dora Consolidated Schools says schools are closed until Monday because illness among regular staff members and substitutes means the district can’t adequate cover its classrooms. Hays says …

Is it a cold or a flu? The common cold is the number one reason for lost work and school time throughout the industrialized world. According to Lea Regional Medical Center officials, the average adult will get two or three colds each year, while children can go through 5-10 cycles. The typical cold starts with sore throat and runny nose, …

Flu cases on the rise in Lea County The New Mexico Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned of increased influenza activity in recent weeks. Jenny Bridgforth, RN, BSN, infection preventionist at Lea Regional Medical Center pointed out Hobbs and Lea County are not immune. “We’re just having an influx of flu in our area,” …