Monitor respiratory illnesses in Lake County through our weekly Respiratory Reports. As of the most recent report on November 22, respiratory activity remains low overall, but emergency department data show that the flu and COVID-19 are on the rise.

Upper respiratory infections such as influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are respiratory viruses that primarily affect the nose, throat, and lungs. These viruses spread from person to person through tiny droplets released in the air when people talk, cough, or sneeze, and can also spread by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face. Common symptoms include cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, fever, headaches, body aches, and fatigue.

Help prevent the spread of respiratory illness by:

• Getting vaccinated
• Staying home if you are sick
• Washing your hands often with soap and water
• Covering your coughs and sneezes
• Wearing a mask around others if you or someone else is sick

Contact your healthcare provider with any questions about your eligibility for the respiratory virus vaccines and to schedule an appointment to get vaccinated. For vaccination locations, visit IDPH’s vaccine locator or your local pharmacy.

Shovel Smart

Snow can be light and fluffy or heavy and wet—also known as "heart attack snow." This kind of snow can lead to overexertion, which may increase the risk of a heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest.

Reduce your risk by following these tips:

• Dress warmly by covering your head, fingers, and toes.
• Stay hydrated and avoid heavy meals before or after shoveling.
• Ideally, push or sweep the snow rather than lifting and throwing it, moving only small amounts at a time.
• Take frequent breaks.
• If you have known or suspected heart disease or risk factors for heart disease, have someone else do your snow removal, if possible.

Know the common signs of a heart attack and stroke.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common illness that mainly affects children under five, though anyone can get it. It can spread quickly in school and daycare settings. Common symptoms include fever, mouth sores, and a skin rash. HFMD is very contagious. To help prevent catching or spreading HFMD:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers, using the toilet, and coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
• Help children wash their hands and keep blisters clean.
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and shared items, including toys and doorknobs.
• Avoid close contact with an infected person, such as hugging or kissing them.

For more information about HFMD, visit the CDC.

Carrying naloxone with you at all times could save someone’s life. However, did you know that naloxone nasal spray can freeze at temperatures below 5 degrees Fahrenheit? If the naloxone is frozen, the plunger will not move when pressed because its frozen. You can thaw naloxone by leaving it at room temperature for about 15 minutes. It can be used once thawed. If there is a suspected overdose, do not wait for your naloxone to thaw. Always call 911 immediately.

Do you need to order naloxone? Visit our Naloxone Saves Lives page to order naloxone today!

National Handwashing Awareness Week takes place each year during the first full week of December to promote hand hygiene. Many diseases and conditions are spread by not washing your hands with soap and clean, running water. It is important to wash your hands at key times throughout the day, especially after using the bathroom and before eating.

To prevent the spread of germs, follow these five steps to properly wash your hands:

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or an air dryer.

The best way to get rid of germs is to wash with soap and water; however, if you don’t have access to soap and water, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Visit the CDC for more information about When and How to Wash Your Hands.

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows December drunk driving deaths are the highest in 15 years. The end of the year is a busy time for many, with drivers on the road than usual. This month encourages responsible decision making when driving including to never drive impaired. Impaired driving includes distracted driving, drugged driving, and drunk driving.

Did you know that many drunk-driving fatal crashes happen between midnight and 3 a.m.? If you’ve been drinking, do not drive. Call a sober friend, rideshare, or a taxi to get you home safely. Buzzed driving is drunk driving.

Remember to celebrate safely this holiday season.