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.
6th Annual WCHD State of the Agency Address
On Friday, January 21, Susan Olenek, Executive Director of the Will County Health Department [WCHD], gave her annual State of the Agency address. Director Olenek praised the department for its work during the pandemic. Even with staffing short-ages and the challenges COVID-19 creates, WCHD and the Community Health Center [CHC] maintained their 38 programs and continued to serve the people of Will County.
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tooth decay is one of the most common chronic disease of childhood, and it is largely preventable.