THE DALLES — As people spend more time indoors with school starting and weather changing, North Central Public Health District recommends taking protective steps to prevent respiratory illnesses.
“We struggled to get through the pandemic and are now seeing a rise in COVID cases, which is coming with the start of flu season and RSV season,” said Dr. Christopher Van Tilburg, health officer for NCPHD. “Although many do not become seriously ill, certain people are vulnerable to serious life-threatening illness from these viral infections. The best protection is easy: Wash hands, limit exposure to crowds in enclosed spaces, stay home when ill, and get vaccinated.”
Other protective options include wearing a well-fitted mask in crowded areas and improving ventilation in your home or work area. That can range from opening windows to using portable air cleaners; for more information, visit bit.ly/3ENs9UH.
Vaccines are available for all three of these infections. An RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccine was approved in May for those 60 and older. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older, as is the updated COVID-19 vaccine, approved last week by the federal government. The updated COVID-19 vaccine targets the predominant strain now in circulation.
The federal government has also announced that, beginning Sept. 25, every American household is again eligible to receive four free at-home COVID-19 test kits, delivered to their home. For more information, visit covid.gov/tests.
NCPHD is getting a small supply of the updated COVID-19 vaccine, which will be available to those who are uninsured, American Indian/Alaskan Native, and those under 19 on the Oregon Health Plan. To book an appointment, call 541-506-2600.
Those with insurance should seek the vaccine, which will not have any out-of-pocket cost, from their doctor’s office or pharmacist.
For more information, contact North Central Public Health District at 541-506-2600, visit ncphd.org or find them on Facebook.
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