SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. September 27, 2024 – Each year, respiratory viruses are responsible for millions of illnesses and thousands of hospitalizations and deaths in the United States. In addition to the virus that causes COVID-19, there are many other types of respiratory viruses, including influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The good news is that there are actions you can take to help protect yourself and others from health risks caused by respiratory viruses.
Vaccinate Against Respiratory Illnesses
There are updated vaccines for flu, COVID-19, and RSV this year. Older adults and those at increased risk should also consider getting the pneumonia vaccine. The best protection against respiratory illnesses is vaccination. Vaccines can prevent the worst symptoms and help keep you out of the hospital if you do become sick. If you have questions about any of the vaccines, please don’t hesitate to reach out and speak with one of our public health nurses. They are always happy to talk with you and answer any questions you may have.
At San Juan County Health & Community Services, we can vaccinate all children under 19 years old and uninsured adults 19 and older. Adults with insurance, including Medicare, should check with their primary care medical provider or their local pharmacy to make a vaccination appointment. If you are uninsured or are making an appointment for a child, you may sign up for one of our upcoming clinics online or by calling our office at 360-378-4474.
Prevent Respiratory Illnesses
Take these steps to help keep you and your loved ones safe from respiratory illnesses, like COVID-19, flu, and RSV:
- Consider getting vaccinated. Vaccines for flu and COVID-19 are your best defense against respiratory illnesses. Some people who get vaccines may still get sick. Vaccines have reduced death and severe illness since they became available.
- Stay home when you are sick. If you have any of the following symptoms, stay home until you feel better: fever, sore throat, cough, sneezing, headache, nausea and/or vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Consider masking. If you must go out while you are sick or if you are visiting a vulnerable family member, consider wearing a well-fitting mask to protect those around you. People are considered vulnerable if they are under six months old or over sixty years old or someone who is likely to become severely ill with an illness that seems mild to others. If you are at higher risk of contracting a respiratory illness yourself, you should consider wearing a mask when you are around others.
- Cover your cough or sneeze. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the inside of your elbow when you cough or sneeze. Put your used tissue in the waste basket and wash your hands immediately after.
- Wash your hands regularly. Use soap and water. If there is no soap available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Keep surfaces clean. Clean and disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated with viruses.
- Seek medical care if necessary. Take antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.
Recognize the Emergency Warning Signs of Respiratory Illnesses
Call 911 when you see:
- Severe trouble breathing (struggling for each breath, can barely speak or cry)
- Passed out or has stopped breathing
- Lips or face are bluish when they are not coughing
- There may be a life-threatening emergency
Get medical help right away for infants when they:
- Have a fever over 100.4F for infants younger than 3 months or a fever for more than 24 hours if older than 3 months
- Have fast or labored breathing
- Look very ill or are unusually drowsy or difficult to console
- Have significantly fewer wet diapers than normal
Children should go to the ER when they:
- Have fast or labored breathing
- Are not able to drink enough fluids
- Have very decreased alertness and activity
- Have a fever for more than 72 hours, or their temperature repeatedly rises above 104F
Adults should go to the ER with any of these symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- Worsening fever and cough, especially with pink or bloody mucus
Relevant URLs:
Respiratory illness information and resources:
COVID-19 information and resources:
Flu information and resources:
RSV information and resources:
Media Contact:
Jessica Nye, Community Health Services Manager, jessican@sanjuancountywa.gov, 360-370-7505
About San Juan County’s Department of Health & Community Services
San Juan County’s Department of Health & Community Services is responsible for community and environmental health, mental health and substance abuse programs, senior services, affordable housing projects, and more. The department has staff and offices on Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan Islands. For more information about San Juan County’s Department of Health & Community Services, visit www.sanjuancountywa.gov/1777/Health-Community-Services.
###