Virus Prevention: NOVA Health Districts Urge Vigilance in Advance of Holiday Gatherings; Influenza

- 'Northern Virginia Health Districts Urge Vigilance in Virus Prevention in Advance of Holiday Gatherings,' November 14, 2022. Ed.

* NORTHERN VIRGINIA PUBLIC HEALTH LEADERS STRESS THE IMPORTANCE OF TAKING STEPS TO STAY SAFE *
Northern Virginia Regional Commission news release:

Public Health leaders in the Northern Virginia region (Fairfax, Prince William, Loudoun, Arlington Counties, including all towns & municipalities- & the City of Alexandria) are encouraging residents to maintain their vigilance in preventing several concerning diseases that are already spreading in the Northern Region this fall & winter:

- the seasonal flu, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and COVID-19.

This is especially important because as temperatures cool, we spend more time indoors with others, & may travel to gather with friends & family for celebrations who are at increased risk of severe complications from infection.

Virginia is already seeing widespread reports of the influenza virus detected in recent weeks. This year’s flu season is already showing concerning, early signs that it may be worse than in recent years. More people are seeking care in hospitals & urgent care centers for influenza-like illness than at this point in previous years, particularly young children aged 0-4 years.

Virginia health officials encourage everyone aged 6 months & older to get a flu vaccine this fall, with rare exception.

- (RSV). In addition, Virginia is seeing cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
RSV is common & usually causes mild to moderate cold-like symptoms but can be very dangerous for babies, young children or those who are immunocompromised.

- Emergency department & urgent care visits with diagnosed RSV have been increasing rapidly since early September.
Practice preventive health habits to reduce the chance of infection & call your healthcare provider if you or your child is having difficulty breathing, not drinking enough fluids, or experiencing worsening symptoms. There is no vaccine to protect against RSV or many of the other common winter viruses.

And while we are experiencing lower COVID-19 case numbers, it is still important to take precautions to prevent illness & to minimize hospitalizations & deaths. The bivalent booster shot protects against newer strains of COVID-19.

Both the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccines are widely available in Virginia at many different locations, including pharmacies, doctors’ offices & some health departments. Public health leaders encourage everyone to maintain their layered prevention activities to prevent spreading flu, RSV & COVID-19 - especially during the season of holiday celebrations. Get all members of your family age 5 years and older fully vaccinated with COVID- 19...https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/northern-virginia-health-districts-urge-vigilance-virus-prevention-advance-holiday-gatherings