Respiratory Viruses (COVID-19, RSV, and Influenza/flu)

Respiratory viruses COVID-19, RSV, and Influenza continue to circulate in our community.  People should understand how best to protect themselves and what to do when they experience symptoms.  For more information on respiratory diseases visit:  https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/index.html

 

COVID-19, influenza and RSV continues to circulate each year, at increased rates during our colder Michigan months.  Here are few simple strategies to best protect yourself:

• Get an annual COVID-19 and Flu shot.  These vaccines will be available within the next few weeks at providers, pharmacies, and clinics.  SCHD will be providing COVID and Flu vaccine along with all other immunization services.
• If you develop symptoms –
  • STAY HOME!
  • Get a COVID Test! (we offer free at home tests in our building) to rule in or out if those symptoms are COVID.)
  • Call your Doctor or Healthcare Provider! – if you are positive for COVID they can provide medications to treat you and if you are negative they can help determine what virus you may have (like the flu or RSV) and can also provide medications to treat you

Recommendations for people who test positive for

• COVID:
  • CDC still recommends that persons who test positive to isolate at home and away from others for 5 days.  (wear a mask if you are around other people during these 5 days)
  • Improve ventilation in your home (tips here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/Improving-Ventilation-Home.html)
  • End isolation after 5 days if you are fever free, symptoms are improving, unless you have a severe case of COVID (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/isolation.html
  • Wear a mask around other people for another 5 days for the best protection of others
• Flu & RSV:  CDC still recommends that persons who have the flu should isolate at home and away from others until 24 hours have passed since a fever has resolved without using fever reducing medications. 

Click here for CDC's Isolation and Exposure calculator.

For more information visit:  https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/index.html

For information on respiratory viruses data click here.