The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is cautioning that a "tripledemic" of the flu, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 is looking more likely than ever as the holiday season approaches.

In a recent CDC report, the agency says that 13.7% of all Americans live in communities that are rated "high" in COVID-19 community levels. This number represents a spike from the previous weeks level of 4.9%. Flu cases are also rising nationally. Last week, 26,000 people were hospitalized nationally due to the flu. Some experts are calling this the worst flu season in two decades. Meanwhile, RSV cases are showing a slight decline in the U.S, including here in Michigan.

For now, the spread of these three illnesses is lower in Michigan and Kent County than in most parts of the country. However, health officials warn that the situation could rapidly deteriorate set amid a background of holiday social gatherings. "If you are not already vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19, now is the time to seek vaccination," says Kent County Health Department (KCHD) Immunizations Supervisor Amy Shears.

Currently no vaccine is available for the RSV virus. Influenza vaccine is available for individuals age 6 months and older. Due to an increased risk of developing serious flu complications, the CDC is recommending that individuals aged 65 years or older are vaccinated with one of three specific vaccines. Those individuals should consult with their health care provider for more information.

Bivalent COVID-19 booster doses are currently available for individuals 5 years and older who have completed their primary COVID-19 vaccine series. "While we await the approval for a bivalent COVID-19 booster for kids aged 6 months to 4 years, it is important for those around these children to be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines," says Shears. 

Other important steps you can take to prevent the spread of reparatory illnesses include:

• Staying home when you feel ill or have symptoms like fever or coughing,
• Washing your hands frequently and thoroughly,
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and
• Sneeze or cough into your elbow or a tissue and not your hands

Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are available at all KCHD clinics by calling 616-632-7200.

This is not your typical vending machine. It doesn't take money or credit cards and there is only one product available. However, what it dispenses, saves lives. These vending machines are stocked with Narcan, an intranasal form of naloxone, which can reverse an opioid overdose. Narcan is extremely easy to use and now it is much easier for people to access.

Thanks to a partnership with Grand Rapids Red Project, KCHD now has one of three Narcan vending machines in the County outside of its main clinic located at 700 Fuller NE in Grand Rapids. KCHD Public Health Epidemiologist and Co-Chair of the Kent County Opioid Task Force Rachel Jantz says that access to Narcan has become increasingly important as the synthetic opioid Fentanyl becomes more pervasive in the community. "Fentanyl is fifty to one hundred times more potent than morphine," says Jantz. "Fentanyl has been found in 94% of the fatal opioid overdoses in Kent County so far this year."

Across the nation, fatal opioid overdoses have risen 30% this year but Kent County seems to be bucking that trend. "We are not seeing a decrease but we are not seeing an increase," says Jantz. She credits the previous efforts to distribute Narcan as a possible explanation that the same increases aren't being seen here.

The two other Narcan vending machines can be found outside of Cherry Health's Heart of the City at 100 Cherry Street SE and the Red Project at 401 Hall SE, both in Grand Rapids. A fourth machine has been placed in Montcalm County at Cherry Health's Montcalm Heath Center at 1003 Lafayette in Greenville.

You can't see smell it, taste it, or hear it but Radon could still be an unwanted guest in your home. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. It seeps silently up from the soil and enters a building through the foundation. Unless you test for it and remediate it from your home, it could be silently and slowly killing you and your family. The good news is Radon is very simple to detect and it is easily and inexpensively removed from properties through proven mitigation techniques. 

During the month of January and while supplies last, we will be giving test kits away free at KCHD's main clinic located at 700 Fuller NE, Grand Rapids. The kits, provided through a partnership with the Michigan Department of Great Lakes and Energy, are simple and easy to use.

We have produced two podcasts that provide in-depth information about Radon. The first episode explains what Radon is, how the test works and features interviews with KCHD subject matter experts and Michigan top Indoor Radon specialist. In the second episode, you will learn how to select a contractor for mitigation. Guests include the president of 
The National Radon Safety Board and the Western Michigan Better Business Bureau who will tell you how not to get ripped off by an unscrupulous contractor.

All County offices are closed on Friday, December 23, Monday, December 26, and Monday, January 2 in observance of the Christmas and New Year holidays. We wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday season!

Tis the season of sugarplums and cookies, so many cookies. It seems like everywhere you go this time of the year the temptation can be overwhelming. With a little planning, you can still treat yourself and maintain your healthy habits. 

• Make easy swaps when thinking about holiday food. You don’t have to go without your favorite holiday foods, but doing some strategic swaps can make a difference. Try having roasted veggies rather than a veggie casserole or sparkling water rather than another glass of wine can be a great way to enjoy that holiday meal while also getting nutritional benefits.
• Be strategic when filling your plate. Aim to fill up your plate 75% with the colorful good stuff first, like veggies, salad, and fruit.
• Trade holiday stress eating for activities that get you moving. If your stress level has maxed out, try a walk outside instead of to the kitchen. You could even suggest a walk after dinner or in between courses.
• Practice mindful eating. If it’s not possible to ignore those high-calorie treats, try practicing mindful eating. Eat slowly, engaging your senses when taking each bite in savoring all the textures and smells. Watch for physical hunger cues and eat until you feel full.
• Offer to bring a healthy dish. Whether you know what will be on the table or not at the holiday gathering, offer to bring a colorful veggie-filled dish.
• Don’t skip meals before holiday parties. Many people will skip a meal during the day and think “saving up” calories gives them a free pass to eat all the cookies and pie later. This is a problem because you’ll show up to the party in a deprived state, causing your brain to crave fast-acting refined carbs and sugar. Your brain subconsciously seeks the quickest and easiest means of energy. Eat your usual well-rounded breakfast and lunch and have a healthy pre-party snack to help sustain you.
• Get your Zzzs. If you’re going out and staying out later than usual to get to holiday festivities, chances are your sleep habits are being disrupted too. Lack of sleep makes your body crave more and higher calorie foods. Aim to get 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
• Avoid alcohol on an empty stomach. Alcohol increases your appetite and diminishes your ability to control what you eat. Drink plenty of water before, while, and after consuming alcohol.
• Don’t feel guilty. If you do indulge, don’t beat yourself up. Make sure your next meal is balanced and incorporate exercise into your routines.