Respiratory illness season is here. As we enter the colder months, respiratory illnesses such as influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19 are more frequently spread. Taking steps to prevent the spread of all respiratory illnesses is important for your health and your community’s health.
Every year in December, we observe National Influenza Vaccination Week as well as National Handwashing Awareness Week. These weeks remind us that we all have a role to play in preventing the spread of seasonal flu and other respiratory illnesses.
National Influenza Vaccination Week
The flu is a serious illness caused by influenza viruses that affect the nose and throat. It can be passed to others when people who are infected cough, sneeze, or talk. In many cases, symptoms can be much more severe than a runny nose or sore throat.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get vaccinated every year, and that those over 65 years of age get the high dose flu vaccine. Vaccines can limit the spread of the flu and protect the people that are most vulnerable.
October marks the start of flu season. It typically hits its peak between December and February and can run as late as May. With the winter season approaching, Carson City Health and Human Services wants you to know there’s still time to get your flu shot.
Getting your flu shot helps to ease the strain on our healthcare system by preventing hospitalizations and other urgent doctor visits. Keep in mind that receiving a flu vaccine can’t give you the flu.
National Handwashing Awareness Week
Regular handwashing can keep you healthy and prevent the spread of respiratory and diarrheal infections from one person to the next. You can help keep yourself and your loved ones healthy by washing your hands often, especially during these key times when you are likely to get and spread germs:
• Before, during, and after preparing food
• Before and after eating food
• Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea
• Before and after treating a cut or wound
• After using the toilet
• After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
• After handling pet food or pet treats
• After touching garbage
Washing your hands is easy, and it is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community — from your home and workplace to childcare facilities and hospitals.
Follow these five steps every time:
• Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap
• Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
• Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
• Rinse your hands well under clean, running water
• Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them
Keeping hands clean is one of the important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Answer the call this respiratory illnesses season and protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community. Take steps such as getting vaccinated and practice proper hand hygiene. Remind your friends and family to do the same!
For information about services and programs available to you through Carson City Health and Human Services, visit our website at www.gethealthycarsoncity.org, or give us a call at 775-887-2190. You can also find us at 900 E. Long St., in Carson City, or follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/cchhs, X @CCHealthEd, or Instagram @GetHealthCarsonCity.