Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department announcement.
Communities across our state and around the U.S. are experiencing an unprecedented surge in viral respiratory illnesses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza and COVID-19. As health officers and health care leaders working to improve the health of Washington residents, we recommend that everyone wear a high-quality, well-fitting mask when around others in indoor spaces to protect against both acquiring and spreading these infections to others.
We also urge everyone who is eligible to stay up to date on your vaccinations. Vaccinations are the most important way to protect against severe influenza and COVID-19 infections, including hospitalization and death. Everyone 6 months and older should be vaccinated against these diseases and those who are eligible for an updated COVID-19 booster should get it now.
Other necessary strategies include:
- Staying home from work and school and testing for COVID-19 if you develop symptoms.
- Having a plan for rapid treatment for COVID-19 and influenza for people who are at increased risk for severe infections.
- Improving indoor air quality through ventilation, filtration, and UV technology where appropriate.
We expect the flu to circulate for months, so now is the time to get your flu shot!
The flu is most dangerous for:
- Children under 5 years (especially under 2).
- Adults 65 years or older.
- Those who are pregnant.
- Anyone living with a health condition like asthma, diabetes or heart disease.
Consult with your physician or healthcare provider about the need for testing or treatment if you are at increased risk for severe influenza or are unsure.
In addition to RSV and influenza, new COVID-19 variants are taking hold and immunity from past vaccination is waning for many people who have not yet received an updated booster shot. The surge in these viruses is resulting in many illnesses, contributing to rising absenteeism in schools this fall. This impact extends to businesses, workers, and families.
For people who develop symptoms, and for parents of young children, it’s important to know when to contact your physician or healthcare provider for advice or an evaluation.
Working together and using multiple, layered strategies to limit the spread and impact of these viruses will provide benefits to all of us during this fall and winter respiratory virus season and help relieve serious stress on our healthcare system.
Thank you to everyone for doing what you can to help.
I will not participate in this lunacy. I am not going to be a Guinea pig for the feds or the state. You people still after 3 years have no idea what is going on. You have a surge in Flu and RSV which have been around for many years because you kept the population locked away. And now you want to start again? Count me out
I agree Susan 100%. I’m with you and most of my friends feel the same way. When Covid first started, my Dr said this will be around forever just like the flu. It is a virus. The flu has many viruses (42 I think he said) and Covid will be the same way. I thought, why aren’t they saying this on tv instead of when you get the Covid shots you will be protected. My Dr knew what was going on and told me it was all political.
When everything was in lock down, he also told me on my early morning runs through the park, don’t wear a mask. I thought because of my age but when I texted him again, he told me it’s not my age, he tells everyone. Masks while during a run is detrimental towards every ones health with aerobic exercise. You need to breath and you have the advantage of not running through crowds, you can go the other way. It made so much sense.
Thank God I have a Doctor who doesn’t follow politics and goes by knowledge and common sense!!! My Dr is from Kaiser Permanente.
For those who would like more information on RSV than just anecdotal, here is a pretty good site:
https://www.rsvandme.com/rsv-resources/
Say Pierre,
All I said was NOT anecdotal, it was true. I’m not a man who puts out false information.
You follow Dr Fauci who is anecdotal and has been caught lying to the American public time after time since the Covid pandemic started. That is fact!
This is excellent epidemiologically-sound advice from our public health professionals. It is regrettable that this has turned into a politically-charged issue, when the advice in the article are 1) recommendations only, 2) suggestions to get vaccinated for COVID and flu, 3) wear a mask if indoors to protect others as well as oneself, 4) stay home if you have symptoms, and 5) see your doctor for more information.
Readers who choose not to observe these simple suggestions run a small, but not zero, risk of acquiring and/or passing on the virus(es), including to their own loved ones.
I’d really like if it the people at Public Health encouraged people to be healthy before ANY other recommendations. Get some exercise. Eat well. Get some sunshine. Don’t be fat. let’s see hat happens to our populations health after that.