November 18, 2024

Take steps to stay well during respiratory season

El Paso County Public Health encourages prevention

El Paso County, CO – Respiratory season is underway, and El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH) is encouraging residents to stay informed and take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from viruses like influenza (flu), COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

EPCPH offers information and recommendations on these common viruses on our EPCPH website. Additionally, EPCPH tracks flu activity and reports this information on our flu data dashboard. The dashboard includes data on flu hospitalizations and is updated weekly on Wednesdays.

“With winter comes a variety of viral infections with the potential to make you or your family members sick, especially during the busy holiday season,” said Dr. Bernadette Albanese, co-medical director of El Paso County Public Health. “That’s why it’s important to ask your health care provider about vaccines, stay home when you are sick, and carefully follow hygiene practices like washing your hands.”

Prevention

Take simple steps to keep yourself and your family healthy this respiratory season:

• Stay home if you are sick. Keep your children home if they are showing signs of illness. You should not return to work or school until 24 hours after a fever ends, without the help of fever-reducing medicines.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap is not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue or a sleeve, not your hands.
• Ask your health care provider about vaccines.
  • An annual flu vaccine and an updated 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine are recommended for everyone 6 months and older.
  • The RSV vaccine is available for adults who are at risk for sever disease. Ask your doctor about an RSV vaccine if:
    • You are pregnant during 32-36 weeks gestation
    • You are an adult, ages 60–74, with increased risk of severe RSV, such as those with chronic heart or lung disease, a weakened immune system, or certain other chronic medical conditions
    • Everyone ages 75 and older
  • All infants up to eight months of age are recommended to receive nirsevimab — an antibody medication that prevents RSV infection — if the mother did not receive RSV vaccine during their pregnancy. Some children ages eight to 19 months who are at increased risk for severe RSV are also recommended to receive nirsevimab.

Where to get a vaccine

• El Paso County Public Health’s Immunization Clinic has vaccines available for flu, COVID-19 and RSV by appointment. Prices vary depending on health insurance coverage. To make an appointment or to inquire about prices, call (719) 578-3199, option 5.
• Vaccines are also available at pharmacies and many primary care doctors. Ask your pharmacist or doctor about vaccines.

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