WCHD Offers Tips To Preventing Respiratory Illnesses
WILL COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently issued a health advisory noticing elevated respiratory illnesses, especially in children, caused by multiple viruses occurring simultaneously.
In addition to the common cold, Flu and COVID-19, there has also been an increase in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), another common respiratory virus that can potentially cause serious symptoms for children and older adults.
The Will County Heald Department has some tips to help avoid respiratory illnesses during the fall and winter. The following preventative measures are strongly encouraged.
- Stay home if you are sick and avoid contact with others until fully recovered, this includes being fever free for at least 24 hours with fever-reducing medication.
- Wear a mask if you develop any symptoms such as a runny nose, cough or fever.
Cover your cough and sneezes to avoid spreading respiratory droplets. Use your elbow, upper shirt sleeve or tissue, not your hands. - Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol based sanitizer. During holiday parties or communal dining, avoid touching utensils that are frequently handed by others.
- Wear a mask indoors in crowded spaces, especially at large gatherings during the holiday season.
- Whenever possible, maximize indoor ventilation and air circulation.
- Get vaccinated for the Flu and stay up-to-date on the COVID-19 vaccine, including the new bivalent booster.
ELIZABETH BILOTTA NAMED WILL COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Will County Board of Health has appointed Elizabeth Bilotta as Will County Health Department’s next Executive Director, effective February 4, 2023. Bilotta takes over the executive director role following the retirement of Susan Olenek after 33 years of service. “After 33 years of public service to this community, leaving is bittersweet,” said Olenek. “But I leave knowing this agency and the community will be in very capable, dedicated hands.”
Health Insurance Enrollment Events
The deadline for the ACA marketplace open enrollment is January 15th. Our certified enrollment counselors are here to help with marketplace and Medicaid open enrollment events. The Will County Health Department will be hosting the following three enrollment events. All the events are first come, first serve for walk-ins and appointments are not available.