Concern is growing as doctors have noticed a slow uptick in coronavirus cases in the mountains.
AdventHealth Chief Medical Officer Dr. Teresa Herbert said it's a gradual climb, but it's still an unwelcome increase heading into the colder months.
"Looks like the trend is going to be heading up through the winter, and that's not unexpected knowing people are coming indoors. And people have big holiday gatherings coming up. A lot of people are really excited about getting back together with extended family, so we are anticipating the numbers will climb over the next three to four weeks," Herbert said.
Herbert said, across the country, cases are up 29 percent this week.
There were eight COVID-19 patients at Adventhealth and six patients at Pardee on Monday, Herbert said.
She said health experts are also watching Europe, where there is a big surge in cases.
Herbert's best advice heading into the holidays is to stay home if you feel sick or get tested.
With Thanksgiving just a few days away, many parents are wondering how to handle family gatherings with children who have received just one dose of the vaccine.
"The second dose will be in three weeks time, and then there will be a seven- to 10-day period while the immune system really kicks in and that child is fully protected. So, it's great news for Christmas. But for Thanksgiving, we still have to assume everyone is unvaccinated for now," Herbert said.
She said, unfortunately, you still need to be careful and use precautions with kids ages 5 to 11.
Because of the timing of the authorization, that age group won't be fully vaccinated until after Thanksgiving.
Herbert said people should also skip the holiday gathering if they're feeling sick or make sure to get tested beforehand.
She said there has been a very gradual increase in adults getting vaccinated recently.