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As respiratory illnesses circulate, health officials urge protection

For immediate release

Fort Wayne (Dec. 19, 2024) – The holiday season is here, and so are respiratory illnesses.

Cases of influenza (flu), COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) each have increased recently, and protection is especially important as friends and family prepare to gather for the holidays.

The best protection against these respiratory illnesses is vaccination. Immunizations are widely available in the community.

“It’s not too late. Anyone looking for vaccines can check availability from their doctor, pharmacies or the Allen County Department of Health,” said Allen County Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Gutwein. “Other ways to help stop the spread of viruses include washing your hands, covering a cough and staying home and away from others when you’re sick.”

Influenza, COVID-19 and RSV are common this type of year and can result in severe disease. Vaccination reduces the risk of severe outcomes such as pneumonia, hospitalization and death.

Influenza-like activity is rising across the state, according to the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH), and at least one Hoosier has died. Nationally, visits to doctors for respiratory illnesses also have risen, the CDC reports.

Through Wednesday, the Allen County Department of Health reported 372 new cases of COVID-19 this month. There were 262 cases in October and 370 cases in November.

The seasonal peak for RSV is typically from December to mid-February, and the illness results in up to 80,000 hospitalizations for children younger than 5 and up to 150,000 hospitalizations for adults older than 60 each year in the U.S. Cases of RSV have risen in the region that includes Indiana, according to the CDC.

The Department of Health encourages everyone to help stop the spread of respiratory viruses:

  • Get vaccinated. Flu, COVID-19 and RSV immunizations are available at many locations, including primary care providers’ offices and pharmacies. To check availability, contact providers, pharmacies or the Department of Health at (260) 449-7504. Providers for flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines also can be found at vaccines.gov.
  • Stay home if you’re sick. If you are experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness, you should stay home from work or school, whenever possible, until you are fever-free and symptoms are improving. Contact your primary health care provider if treatment is needed.
  • Wash hands frequently. Use soap and warm water. If they are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes. Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.

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