‘Tis the season to gather with loved ones to celebrate the holidays. Unfortunately, it’s also the season for respiratory viruses.
Health officials have some tips to spread Christmas cheer − not respiratory syncytial virus, influenza and COVID-19. The suggestions are simple but effective:
- Wash your hands by lathering them with soap for at least 20 seconds.
- Stay home if you’re sick. Consider a video-conference call rather than bringing the flu to grandma’s house.
- Ventilate rooms properly.
- Take a COVID-19 test. Every U.S. household is eligible for up to four free COVID-19 tests this winter at www.covid.gov/tests.
- Get a vaccine for COVID-19 or the flu. There is currently no vaccine available for RSV.
- Wear a mask if you’re sick, immunocompromised or in an area with a spike in respiratory illnesses.
- Look into early treatments if you contract COVID-19 or the flu. Paxlovid for COVID-19 and Tamiflu for influenza can help shortly after symptoms develop.
“It is about using good common sense to protect ourselves and our loved ones as best we can,” Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff said Wednesday.
RSV, which causes cold-like symptoms but can be dangerous for infants and older adults, hit earlier than usual this year. The rate of positive tests has declined in recent weeks and hospitalizations nationwide are down by two-thirds over the past month.
“The rate remains high, but it’s not near the peak we experienced in mid-November,” Vanderhoff said.
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Influenza cases and hospitalizations also started earlier this year, increasing to one of the highest peaks Ohio has seen in recent years. But flu cases dropped last week in Ohio and nationwide.
“While that slight drop is welcomed, based on past experience, it seems unlikely that influenza cases will now drop quickly toward a low number,” said Vanderhoff, who predicted sustained high levels of flu for weeks to come.
That’s why the flu shot is so important, he said. “I would encourage everyone who has not received a flu vaccine to get one. It’s not too late to help you stay healthy as the flu season continues well into next year.”
Jessie Balmert is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Akron Beacon Journal, Cincinnati Enquirer, Columbus Dispatch and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.
