Respiratory illnesses on rise, steps can help prevent them

Respiratory viruses are an annual event hindering people from work, school and other important activities due to illness.

With fall’s arrival, these viruses begin to circulate more through the winter months, according to Amanda Walsh, Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) spokesperson. This leads to the department’s monitoring of trends of several respiratory viruses, including the flu and COVID-19.

• Fever.

• Cough.

• Runny or stuffy nose.

• Sore throat.

• Headache, muscle or body aches.

Regional Administrative Director for District 5 Brandie Combs said there is good news — people can take actions to help protect themselves from getting sick.

Combs manages and supervises all county health department staff, programs, and local finances for nine county health departments throughout Southwest Oklahoma in Beckham, Caddo, Comanche, Cotton, Greer, Harmon, Jackson, Kiowa, Tillman and Washita counties.

“Oklahomans are encouraged to evaluate their personal risk and health to decide what prevention measures are right for them,” she said.

Measures that can be taken to prevent the spread and protect themselves from respiratory illnesses like influenza, COVID-19 and RSV include:

• Practice good hand hygiene.

• Cover your cough with a tissue or sleeve.

• Stay home when sick or not feeling well.

Vaccination is also an option and can help prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death, according to Combs. It can also reduce the length of time you feel ill.

“We encourage individuals to speak with their health care provider about which vaccines are recommended for them and any other questions they may have,” she said.

District 5 county health departments have some vaccines available for eligible populations, but it will depend on an individual’s insurance status. It is recommended to call ahead for supply and appointment availability, according to Combs.

“The OSDH maintains a respiratory surveillance system that monitors trends of influenza, COVID-19 and RSV in the state,” she said. “This information is published every Thursday on the OK ViralView page.”

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) protects and improves public health through its system of local health services and strategies focused on preventing disease. OSDH provides technical support and guidance to 68 county health departments in Oklahoma, as well as guidance and consultation to the two independent city-county health departments in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.

Learn more at Oklahoma.gov/health.