Celebrating safely this holiday season

For rapid launch: November 18, 2022   (22-170)

Media contact: DOH Communications

Preparation and prevention methods may help maintain you protected and wholesome

OLYMPIA – With the cooler climate comes conventional vacation gatherings with family and friends. Amid a strained hospital system, an early and extra extreme respiratory virus season, and other people gathering to have fun, the Washington State Division of Well being (DOH) want to remind everybody keep protected and wholesome this vacation season.

Respiratory viruses are extra frequent this time of yr and medical services, particularly pediatric emergency departments, are seeing a higher-than-usual variety of sufferers for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Hospitals had been already working at larger capability, and it has change into much more vital to make the most of preventive measures to make sure there may be area for these with vital well being wants.

“Connecting is vital in the course of the vacation season however it may be difficult after we are involved about our personal well being and that of these round us,” stated Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, Washington State Secretary of Well being. “Somewhat prevention can go a good distance in serving to us get pleasure from our social circle and keep wholesome on the identical time.”

Ideas to assist decrease the chance of contracting viruses, spreading sickness, or needing hospital care within the coming months:

• Though masks are not required for the general public besides in healthcare settings and correctional services, DOH recommends you think about sporting a masks in crowded or poorly ventilated settings to cut back the possibility of getting sick or spreading viruses.
  • Word – DOH had deliberate to replace present masking necessities by mid-November. It’s persevering with its overview and plans to concern an replace within the coming weeks.  
• DOH recommends everybody 6 months and older be vaccinated for influenza and COVID-19 to decrease danger of transmission and critical sickness. In case you have already been vaccinated towards COVID-19, make an appointment now to obtain your booster. Individuals ages 5 years and older who had their final COVID-19 shot a minimum of two months in the past can get the up to date booster. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines may be safely given on the identical time. There may be at the moment no authorized vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
• For those who or a member of your loved ones are sick, keep house and use the suitable stage of care needed. Name your healthcare supplier or pediatrician for recommendation or to make an appointment. Think about going to an pressing care or test if telehealth is an choice. For emergencies, name 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency room instantly.
• Wash your fingers typically and keep away from touching your eyes, mouth, and nostril, that are the place viruses generally enter the physique.
• Think about taking a COVID-19 check previous to gathering, particularly in case you are getting along with people who find themselves older, immunocompromised, or in danger for extreme illness.
• Apply meals security by washing your fingers, maintaining meals on the appropriate temperature, getting ready meals accurately, and disinfecting surfaces.

Easy however vital steps may help maintain all of us wholesome and protected this vacation season!

Additional data on staying protected and wholesome in the course of the holidays is on the market on the DOH web site.

The DOH web site is your supply for a wholesome dose of knowledge. Discover us on Fb and follow us on Twitter. Join the DOH weblog, Public Well being Connection.  

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