General Public Health Precautions Recommended in Anticipation of an Increase in Respiratory Illnesses

(Monroe County, Fla) – Florida is experiencing large increases in influenza and RSV activity across the state and new variant descendants of Omicron are making it difficult for epidemiologists to predict COVID-19 trends for the weeks to come.

The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County recommends residents and visitors follow basic public health principles to prevent communicable disease from spreading as we head into the busy holiday and travel months of November and December.

Many of the germs that cause respiratory illness are spread from droplets that come from coughing or sneezing.

CDC recommends the following general precautions for everyone to prevent the spread of respiratory illness:

  • Minimize close contact with persons who have symptoms of respiratory illness, such as coughing or sneezing.
  • Practice respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette.   Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
  • Wash your hands regularly.
  • Avoid sharing personal items such as eating or drinking utensils, toothbrushes, and towels. You should especially avoid sharing these items with sick persons.
  • Maintain a clean environment.

CDC recommends routine annual influenza vaccination for all persons aged 6 months and older who do not have contraindications.

Updated COVID-19 (bivalent) boosters became available September 2, 2022.  CDC recommends everyone stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines for their age group.

Symptoms for influenza and COVID-19 are similar and may include headache, muscle ache, fever, coughing and sneezing.  Both influenza and COVID-19 are highly contagious and people with symptoms are encouraged to stay at home and wear a mask around others.

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