Friday, November 4

Hi there,

I hope everyone is enjoying the beauty of Fall here in Oakland County!  But soon enough, the temperatures will turn, and many of us will spend more time indoors. Colds, flu and other respiratory illnesses are more common in colder months. People are inside more often, allowing viruses to pass easily from one person to another. And the cold, dry air may help them spread. In addition, holidays are coming up when many of us will gather with family, friends, co-workers and loved ones.

You may have heard about RSV infections and associated emergency department visits and hospitalizations are on the rise, especially among infants and young children, with some U.S. regions nearing seasonal peak levels earlier than average. In addition, while Michigan is considered to currently have minimal influenza activity, flu is beginning to increase in most of the country. 

What’s most concerning is the possibility of RSV, flu and COVID-19 infections surging simultaneously. Currently there is no vaccine to prevent RSV infection. However, staying up-to-date on flu, COVID-19 and immunizations such as whooping cough (Tdap) can prevent severe illness from those viruses, help reduce respiratory complications in infected people and can relieve further strains on healthcare.  Below are tips on how you can prevent RSV and many respiratory illnesses.

I would be remiss to not extend gratitude as we approach Thanksgiving.  I have sincere appreciation for the residents who have supported our programs, services and staff who work tirelessly to impact public health. To our community partners, thank you for your willingness to collaborate and meet community needs together. And to our Health Division staff, thank you for always going above and beyond in all you do. As we approach the holiday season, I challenge all of us to practice empathic connection with each other daily. We may not realize someone else is struggling or wonder what to do or say if we do know. Being empathetic is a first step in developing strong relationships and supporting others. Happy Thanksgiving!

Be Well, 

Dr. Calandra Green, Health Officer, Oakland County

RSV – It’s more than just a cold

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults. It’s the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia in children younger than age one in the United States.

RSV usually circulates during fall, winter, and spring, but the timing and severity of RSV season can vary from year to year.

How can you prevent RSV?

• Get vaccinated/boosted for influenza and COVID-19
• Stay home if sick, even when testing negative for COVID-19
• Wear a mask if sick and being around others is unavoidable
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Avoid close contact, such as kissing, shaking hands, and sharing cups and eating utensils with others
• Clean frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs and mobile devices
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper shirt sleeve, not your hands

If possible, limit interactions with children at high risk for severe RSV if you have cold-like symptoms. This includes premature infants, children younger than 2 years of age with chronic lung or heart conditions, and children with weakened immune systems. If this is not possible, carefully follow the prevention steps mentioned above.

Transportation and its impact on your health

In Oakland County, many people rely on public transportation to access jobs, food, education, healthcare services, and social connections. All modes of public transportation are important, but bus routes play a special role. Frequent and reliable bus routes allow residents to get to more destinations over a larger area and can meet changing community needs.

The CDC Foundation states that increasing access to frequent, reliable public transportation can lead to fewer traffic vehicle crashes, reduce air pollution and associated respiratory illnesses and increase physical activity levels. Public transportation can improve mental health and well-being by giving people of all abilities the independence to get around and connect with others in their communities. Even people who don’t use public transportation benefit from less traffic congestion, less pollution, and lower community costs for healthcare.

​Click here to see testimonials from Public Transit users and learn more about the Oakland Transit millage. 

Oakland County recognizes Homeless Awareness Month

November is Homeless Awareness Month. Many Oakland County residents are forced to choose between necessities like buying food, paying rent, or going to the doctor. No one should have to worry about whether they will have food on their plate or a roof over their head.

There are many local prevention or emergency assistance programs available. Often these programs can assist in paying rent, utilities, bills or help with health care, food, and temporary, transitional, or permanent housing.

Contact Oakland County Neighborhood Housing & Development at 248-858-5402 or visit oakgov.com/NHD for information about these resources and more:

• Community Housing Network: Connects people to safe, decent and affordable housing.
• Lighthouse: Aims to keep people in their homes and offers housing assistance programs and emergency food distribution.
• HOPE Hospitality and Warming Center: Provides a safe and judgment-free shelter, innovative programs and public advocacy to end homelessness.
• HAVEN: Serves as Oakland County’s only comprehensive program for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, providing shelter that includes their animal, counseling, prevention, resources, advocacy and programming.
• Alliance for Housing: Partners and individuals working to end homelessness and increase affordable housing opportunities.
• Common Ground: Call 988 for free and confidential crisis counseling, information and referrals.
• OLHSA: Offers utility assistance, food programs and emergency housing/homelessness support.

Keep food safety on your holiday menu

The holidays are right around the corner, and it’s a great time to enjoy special meals with loved ones. Freshen up on these food safety practices that will help you have a safe and happy holiday season.

• Keep foods separated: Keep meat, chicken, turkey, seafood, and eggs separate from all other foods at the grocery store and in the refrigerator. Prevent juices from dripping or leaking onto other foods by keeping them in containers or sealed plastic bags.
• Cook food thoroughly: Meat, chicken, turkey, seafood, and eggs can carry germs that cause food poisoning. Use a food thermometer to ensure these foods have been cooked to a safe internal temperature.
• Keep food out of the danger zone: Bacteria can grow rapidly in the danger zone between 40°F and 140°F. After food is prepared, keep hot food hot and cold food cold. Refrigerate or freeze any perishable food within 2 hours.
• Do not eat raw dough or batter: Dough and batter made with flour or eggs can contain harmful germs, such as E. coli and Salmonella. Do not taste or eat raw dough or batter that is meant to be baked or cooked.
• Thaw your turkey safely: Thaw turkey in the refrigerator, in a sink of cold water (change the water every 30 minutes), or in the microwave. Avoid thawing foods on the counter. A turkey must thaw at a safe temperature to prevent harmful germs from growing rapidly.
• Wash your hands: Wash with soap and water before, during, and after preparing food.

Health Division Flu & COVID-19 vaccination info

Check out our webpage page for information about COVID, flu, and other vaccinations and eligibility. Appointments are recommended and can be made online or by calling our Nurse on Call hotline at 1- 800-848-5533 (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.).

Oakgov.com/health is the best place to receive the latest information. Add, update, or opt out of Health Division email or text communications by clicking here.