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Acute Respiratory Illness Recommendations Simplified

It’s the time of year when the weather gets colder, and people start spending more time inside in close proximity to one another. It’s also the time of year when our e-mail, social media, news outlets, and more start flooding us with information about how to stay healthy and avoid getting sick. With that in mind, we wanted to simplify the latest information for the 2024-2025 cold and flu season (also known as “acute upper respiratory virus” season).

Covid-19, the flu, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are collectively referred to as respiratory viruses. All the respiratory viruses share similar symptoms. Each can cause fever, cough, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, muscle or body aches, headache, and fatigue. In some cases, higher-risk individuals such as older adults, infants, and small children can get dangerously ill.       

Hand Hygiene and Surface Disinfection

First and foremost, it’s important to exercise good hygiene such as frequent hand washing, using hand sanitizer, and covering your cough and sneezing into a tissue or your elbow to reduce the spread of germs. Think you’re an expert hand washer? Are you sure? Check out CDC’s handwashing education materials. It’s important to take the time to wash your hands correctly. Just 20 seconds is all you need to prevent yourself from getting sick. Surface disinfection measures can also reduce spread of infections.

Indoor Air Quality

Second, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a closer look at virus transmission and indoor air quality. Studies have shown that clean, well-ventilated air helps to stop COVID-19, flu, and other respiratory viruses from spreading between individuals. For example, opening windows or using an air purifier indoors is recommended. For additional steps, visit CDC’s ‘Improving the Air in Your Home‘ Page.     

Vaccines 

Staying up to date on recommended vaccines is another important step in avoiding respiratory illness and/or preventing severe symptoms. Which vaccines do you need this fall and winter season? View the Fall and Winter Virus Season Immunization Guide below to ensure you know which vaccines are recommended for you. Want even more details and a comprehensive list of vaccinations for children and adults? View Vaccine Schedules for You and Your Family: Vaccine Schedules For You and Your Family | Vaccines & Immunizations | CDC

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is safe to get both the Covid-19 and flu vaccine at the same visit. Interested in learning more? Visit: Getting a Flu Vaccine and other Recommended Vaccines at the Same Time | Influenza (Flu) | CDC

Epidemiological Outlook for Barnstable County

Stay up to date with local viral illness trends including Covid, flu and RSV by visiting the viral illness dashboard linked below. Acute Respiratory Illness on the Cape & Islands – Barnstable County (capecod.gov)

What if I get sick?

The CDC simplified the guidelines for all three respiratory illnesses to help people determine what to do if they or a family member becomes ill or tests positive for Covid. These include: Respiratory Virus Guidelines

Individuals that have difficulty getting to a vaccination location may schedule an in-home visit by calling (833) 983-0485 or by using the following link to create an account: In-home vaccination program

U.S. households are eligible to order 4 free COVID-19 tests. The COVID-19 tests will detect current COVID-19 variants and can be used through the end of the year. COVIDtests.gov.

CDC updates and simplifies respiratory virus recommendations

Protect yourself and others from getting sick | Mass.gov) 

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