Dec. 15, 2023

With respiratory illnesses on the rise, take steps to stay healthy this holiday season

Respiratory illness season is ramping up in Kitsap County. Data reports show emergency department visits due to influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are on the rise. Two flu-related deaths were reported in Kitsap last week. 

COVID-19 continues to circulate in our community and five COVID-19 outbreaks have been reported in long-term care facilities in the past month. 

With holiday gatherings and school breaks just around the corner, now is a good time to make sure you and your household are up to date on immunizations and following simple steps to prevent getting and spreading viruses. 

Scroll down to find updates and tips that can help you have a happy and healthy holiday season. 

DOWNLOAD OUR RESPIRATORY ILLNESS SEASON FACT SHEET Download a respiratory illness season fact sheet that you can print and share. Visit our respiratory illnesses page for more tips and resources.

It's not too late to get flu and COVID-19 vaccines!

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older. 

Vaccines offer the best protection against flu and COVID-19. A vaccine can keep you from getting sick or make your illness milder if you do get sick. It can take one to two weeks for a vaccine to begin providing protection, so get vaccinated as early as possible before holiday travel or gatherings. 

Flu vaccines and updated 2023-24 COVID-19 vaccines are widely available in Kitsap. Contact your healthcare provider or a pharmacy to schedule an appointment or check vaccines.gov for a list of local providers.

Vaccines are free for children 18 and under. Most insurance plans, including Medicare part B, cover the cost of flu and COVID-19 vaccines. 

Tip: It is safe to get a flu and COVID-19 vaccine on the same day, or even during the same visit. 

Can I still get COVID-19 tests?

Free COVID-19 self-tests are still available at covid.gov. Every U.S. household can place an order for four tests delivered directly to your home. 

COVID-19 tests are also available over the counter at many retailers and pharmacies and some healthcare providers offer testing.

Additionally, Kitsap Public Health can provide tests to community organizations that serve the public. For information, call 360-728-2235 or email ready@kitsappublichealth.org.

If you test positive for COVID-19, stay home from work or school and follow these CDC guidelines. 

What to know about RSV immunizations

RSV is a common respiratory virus that typically causes mild illness. RSV can cause serious illness, especially in young children, older adults, and other higher-risk groups. 

Vaccines are available for people at higher risk from RSV:

• People who are 32-36 weeks pregnant can receive an RSV vaccine to protect themselves and their babies. 
• Adults 60 years and older can also get an RSV vaccine to protect themselves and those around them.

Nirsevimab — a treatment that protects infants against RSV — is not widely available this fall due to high demand and limited supplies. 

Talk to your healthcare provider to learn about availability and whether any of these options are right for you or your family.

What else can I do to avoid getting or spreading viruses?

Graphic courtesy U.S. Health and Human Services.

In addition to staying up to date on immunizations, you can take simple steps every day to avoid getting or spreading the viruses that cause common respiratory illnesses. 

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds 
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick, including sharing cups and utensils
• Clean frequently touched surfaces like mobile devices
• Stay home when you are sick
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow
• Consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces. Some healthcare offices may require masks during respiratory illness season. Watch for signs and follow instructions when you visit a healthcare facility. 

Learn more about symptoms and prevention for colds, flu, RSV and COVID-19.

It's also important to take care of your overall health by eating healthy, staying active, getting sleep and managing stress. See our recent bulletin with tips for keeping your body and mind active during fall and winter months. 

MORE RESOURCES

• Kitsap Public Health District Respiratory Illnesses page
• Kitsap Respiratory Illness Report & State Respiratory Illness Dashboard
• Washington State Department of Health Flu Overview
• Washington State Department of Health holiday guide
• CDC Respiratory Virus Updates

CONTACT:

Tad Sooter | Public Information Officer
Kitsap Public Health District
360-728-2330 - office | 360-728-2235 - main
pio@kitsappublichealth.org | kitsappublichealth.org