County of Monterey Health Department Urges Residents to Take Preventative Measures Against Winter Respiratory Viruses

The County of Monterey Health Department urges all residents to act now to protect themselves and their families against respiratory viruses circulating this winter season, including influenza ("flu"), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). A recent increase in flu activity in California has led to more emergency department visits, which may begin to strain the local health care system.

The Health Department encourages everyone to help keep children and families healthy by following these steps:

• Get Vaccinated. Immunizations continue to provide the best protection against severe illness and death. Everyone 6 months of age and older should get up to date on their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations now. Pregnant women can protect themselves and their babies by getting immunized against RSV during weeks 32 to 36 of pregnancy.
• Talk to your health care provider or visit your local pharmacy. Most pharmacies, including but not limited to CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and Costco, offer vaccinations, and they are often covered by insurance including Medi-Cal.
• The Health Department is offering free flu immunizations Saturday, January 24, from 10:00am to 1:00pm at Gavilan View Middle School, 18250 Van Buren Ave., Salinas. Everyone 6 months of age and older is welcome.\
• Stay Home if You Are Sick. When you are sick, avoid close contact with others to protect them from also getting sick, and take the time you need to heal.
• Wash Your Hands. Frequent handwashing with soap and warm water is an easy way to stay healthy and keep from spreading germs.
• Cover Your Cough or Sneeze with your elbow, arm, or a disposable tissue to help prevent the spread of winter viruses.
• Wear a Mask while indoors to reduce transmission and protect people who are vulnerable to severe disease, like people who are elderly, pregnant, have weakened immune systems, or are very young.
• If you are at risk for serious complications of winter respiratory viruses, consider wearing a well-fitted N95 respirator for better protection against infection.

For more information about winter respiratory viruses, visit the County of Monterey Health Department's Fall and Winter Respiratory Viruses website or the California Department of Public Health's Respiratory Virus Hub.