Sharing is caring—except when it comes to viruses

||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS |||

Washington state is seeing an increase in cases of RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). RSV is a common respiratory virus that causes cold and COVID-like symptoms, including runny nose, coughing, sneezing, and fever. Most people recover from RSV in a week or two. However, it may cause serious symptoms in infants, young children, and older adults.

If you or your family have symptoms that include trouble breathing or dehydration, call your doctor or pediatrician or go to a hospital for care. Please avoid a trip to the emergency department unless you have serious symptoms.

RSV can be spread through airborne droplets or from touching surfaces with the virus on them. To prevent spreading RSV, regularly cover your coughs and wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you believe you have RSV or cold-like symptoms, you should stay at home and avoid close contact with others. If you need to leave home while sick, please consider wearing a mask to prevent spreading RSV or other viruses to others.

For more information about preventing the spread of flu, visit knockoutflu.org. You may also visit our Health & Community Services Communicable Disease website for more information on vaccination, testing, and symptoms.

Washington State Department of Health (DOH) News Releases:

• DOH strongly urges individuals get vaccinated to prevent spread of flu (English)
• El Departamento de Salud de Washington insta a las personas a vacunarse para evitar la propagación de la gripe (Spanish)
• Celebrating safely this holiday season (English)
• Celebraciones seguras para esta temporada de fiestas (Spanish)

Washington State Department of Health (DOH) Informational Videos on RSV:

• RSV: I’m hearing a lot about RSV right now. What is going on? – YouTube
• RSV: What can I do if my child/family is sick, and needs to see a doctor? – YouTube
• RSV: How can I prevent my child/family from getting sick? – YouTube
• RSV: I’m hearing a lot about hospitals being impacted by RSV. What is going on right now? – YouTube
• RSV: How can I prevent my child/family from getting sick? – YouTube
• RSV: What do I do if my child is really sick? – YouTube
• RSV: What is important to keep in mind now that we’re heading into the holiday season? – YouTube
• RSV: Are nursing lines helpful? – YouTube
• RSV: Estoy preocupada por el VRS. ¿Cómo mantengo a salvo a mi hijo/familia? – YouTube

Relevant URLs:

• Knockoutflu.org
• Communicable Disease Surveillance | San Juan County, WA

About San Juan County’s Department of Health and Community Services    

San Juan County’s Department of Health and Community Services is responsible for community and environmental health, mental health and substance abuse programs, senior services, affordable housing projects, and more. The department has staff and offices on Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan Islands. For more information about San Juan County’s Department of Health and Community Services, visit www.sanjuanco.com/1777/Health-Community-Services.