Preventing spread of respiratory viruses when sick

While COVID-19 still poses a serious threat to high-risk groups, it now has similar health impacts to other respiratory viruses. To help protect yourself and others, the CDC has released new, unified guidance for all respiratory viruses.

What to do if you’re sick

If you have symptoms of a respiratory virus (fever, cough, fatigue, runny nose, etc.) stay home and away from others (including people you live with who are not sick).

• You can go back to your normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both are true: Your symptoms are getting better overall, and you have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication).

• Even after you start feeling better, take added precaution over the next five days, such as taking additional steps for cleaner air, hygiene, masks, physical distancing, and/or testing when you will be around other people indoors. Keep in mind that you may still be able to spread the virus that made you sick, even if you are feeling better. You are likely to be less contagious at this time, depending on factors like how long you were sick or how sick you were. If you develop a fever or you start to feel worse after you have gone back to normal activities, stay home and away from others again until, for at least 24 hours, both are true: your symptoms are improving overall, and you have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication). Then take added precaution for the next five days.

How can you prevent getting sick?

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and teach children proper handwashing techniques.

• Clean frequently touched surfaces, like doorknobs and countertops.

• Get vaccinated to protect against serious illness.

Flu and COVID vaccines are currently being offered at Oneida County Health Department. No appointments needed! Walk in any time 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

Additional vaccine clinics will be held throughout the community; check out the Oneida County Facebook page, Instagram @oneidacountyhealthdept, website (www.oneidacountypublichealth.org), or call 715-369-6111 for details.

For RSV and pneumococcal vaccinations, please call the Oneida County Health Department at 715-369-6111 to make an appointment.