12/06/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/06/2023 10:44
For immediate release: December 6, 2023 (23-157)
Contact: DOH Communications
OLYMPIA - 'Tis the season for holiday gatherings with friends and family. Unfortunately, 'tis also the season for respiratory viruses, which are more common this time of year as colder temperatures settle in and people spend more time indoors. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) wants everyone to enjoy good health throughout this holiday season.
Washington state is currently seeing typical seasonal increases in respiratory disease activity. Influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are both on the rise. COVID-19 activity is also expected to increase over the next month, as we are seeing nationally. Visit DOH's Respiratory Illness Data Dashboard to track updated disease activity across the state.
"As we celebrate the holiday season amid the challenges of seasonal respiratory viruses, let us prioritize the gift of health," said Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, Washington State Secretary of Health. "Our agency encourages everyone to celebrate responsibly by practicing preventive measures such as vaccination, wearing masks in crowded settings, and washing your hands frequently. Our collective commitment to safety ensures that the joy of the holidays, not respiratory illnesses, are shared."
Vaccinations
Vaccines provide the best protection against serious illness from COVID-19, flu, and RSV, and all three vaccines can be given during the same visit. As it takes up to two weeks for vaccines to be fully effective, get vaccinated now to give your immune system time to build protection and lower the risk of severe illness this holiday season.
Additional safety measures
Together, we can create a holiday season filled with warmth, love, and the gift of good health.
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