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.
Children and Teens Should Get Vaccinated for COVID-19
There are approximately 28 million children between the ages of 5 and 11 years old in the United States, and there have been nearly 2 million cases of COVID-19 within this age group during the pandemic.
Will County Board of Health Meeting January 19, 2022
WILL COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT The Will County Board of Health meeting will be held via TELECONFERENCEvia TELECONFERENCE – TEAMS APP1- 708-566-6764 Phone / Conference ID 585 612 530#JANUARY 19, 2022 – 3:00PM Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the governor's recent disaster...