
Winter months tend to be the peak of respiratory virus season. With the flu, COVID, and RSV viruses among us, the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department and the CDC has some tips on how to best protect yourself.
- Get a vaccine. Flu vaccines are available now for everyone 6 months and older to help protect yourself from serious effects. A COVID-19 booster is also available, and the RSV vaccine is recommended for young children, adults 75 and older as well as those 60-74 with an increased risk for serious disease, as well as pregnant women.
- Testing for respiratory viruses can help you decide what to do next, so plan in advance of any illness so you can be ready to get tested quickly. Taking steps like getting treatment can reduce the risk of severe illness and lower the chances of spreading any viruses.
- Avoid contact with those who are sick and if you are sick, limit contact with others. The CDC recommends those showing symptoms to stay home for at least 24 hours, and until both symptoms are getting better overall and there is no fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication).
- When you return to normal activities, take added precautions over the next 5 days. Such as hygiene, mask, and/or physical distancing.
- Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.
- Wash your hands. Wash your hands often with soap and water, and if not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs are spread by contact with these areas.
- Improve air quality and circulation. Open a window, use an air purifier, or gather outdoors when possible.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces, such as countertops, handrails, and doorknobs regularly.