Dec. 9, 2022

Health officials urge caution ahead of holidays as respiratory illnesses surge

Flu, RSV, COVID-19, and other respiratory illnesses are spreading widely in Kitsap County. Take steps to prevent getting and spreading viruses. 

KITSAP COUNTY, WA — Health officials are urging extra caution ahead of the winter holidays, with respiratory illnesses spreading widely throughout the region. 

In Kitsap County, data indicate influenza (flu) activity has increased rapidly in recent weeks. RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) activity remains high, but could be leveling off. COVID-19 continues to circulate, with 181 new positive tests reported last week.

Kitsap Public Health District Health Officer Dr. Gib Morrow joined with county health officers and healthcare leaders from across Western Washington to issue a statement emphasizing the need for precautions to slow the spread of respiratory illnesses, which have strained hospitals and clinics this fall. 

"We can all take simple steps to protect ourselves now and enjoy a happy and healthy holiday season. By staying up to date on vaccination and being diligent about everyday prevention habits like handwashing, you can help our community weather this wave of illness,"

Dr. Gib Morrow, Health Officer, Kitsap Public Health District

Health officers are encouraging community members to: 

• Wear a high-quality mask indoors when around other people. 
• Stay up to date on flu and COVID-19 vaccination. 
• Stay home from work and school when sick. Test for COVID-19.
• Have a plan to access rapid treatment for COVID-19 and flu for people who are at increased risk for severe infections. People at higher risk include young children, older adults, people who are pregnant, and people with health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease.
• Take steps to improve indoor air quality and ventilation.

Masks are required statewide in some settings, including healthcare facilities. 

Everyday steps to prevent respiratory viruses

Graphic courtesy U.S. Health and Human Services.

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are effective against current viruses

Routine vaccinations can help keep your family healthy during cold and flu season. COVID-19 and flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older.

This year's flu vaccine is a good match for the strains of influenza A that have caused the majority of flu cases this season. Similarly, updated, "bivalent" COVID-19 boosters provide added protection against the COVID-19 variants that are spreading most widely.

Note: The FDA has authorized bivalent vaccines for children as young as 6 months, but additional federal and state authorizations are needed before bivalent vaccines can be offered for young children at the local level. 

To find vaccination appointments: 

• Contact your regular healthcare provider
• To find a flu vaccine, go to vaccinefinder.org
• To find a COVID-19 vaccine, go to vaccinatewa.org or check our vaccine clinic calendar
• If you need additional assistance, call us at 360-728-2007 or email immunizations@kitsappublichealth.org

More resources:

• Kitsap Public Health District flu page
• Kitsap Public Health District COVID-19 page
• Kitsap Respiratory Illness Report | Subscribe to receive this report weekly
• Washington State Department of Health flu page | COVID-19 page
• CDC flu page | RSV page | COVID-19 page