As October settles in, cooler weather brings more than just colorful leaves, bugling elk, pumpkin patches – and an early snow. It also signals the start of flu season and an increase in other respiratory illnesses such as RSV and COVID-19.
Public health preparedness, the focus of my work, is not only about being ready for large-scale disasters, but also about protecting ourselves, our families and our communities from seasonal health threats such as influenza. Taking simple steps today can reduce the risk of illness through the fall and keep our community strong as we migrate indoors to ride out the winter.
Each year, influenza and other respiratory viruses cause millions of illnesses in the United States, leading to missed work and school, hospitalizations and in some cases, death. The risk is higher for young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions. With multiple viruses circulating at the same time, prevention becomes even more important.
The best protection against severe flu and COVID-19 illness is vaccination. Seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available, and your county Health Department can provide both on the same visit (Call 406-225-4007 to schedule an appointment and see our upcoming Care Van vaccination dates in the ad on page 6).
Vaccination not only helps protect you, but also helps prevent the spread of illness to others, especially those who may be more vulnerable.In addition to vaccines, healthy habits make a big difference:
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Stay home when sick. We understand obligations, but even mild symptoms can spread illness to others.
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Wash your hands often. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds or hand sanitizer when soap is not available.
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Cover coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue or your elbow to reduce the spread of droplets.
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Clean frequently touched surfaces. Use regular disinfection at home, school, and work to help reduce germ spread.
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Consider masking in crowded spaces. Masks work well during outbreaks in our community, especially if you are at higher risk of serious illness.
Preparedness for seasonal illness also means planning ahead:
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Stock up on essentials. Keep a small supply of fever reducers, cough medicine, tissues, and thermometers on hand.
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Review sick leave policies. Know your workplace or school’s rules for staying home when ill. We understand not every workplace has these policies.
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Update your family emergency plan. Make sure contact numbers, medical information and health insurance is current and available. Also, keep communication plans up-to-date in case someone gets sick.
Preparedness is not just about individual health, it is also about our community well-being. Check in on your neighbors, especially older adults or those with health challenges, to see if they need support during illness season. Community organizations and workplaces can play a role by promoting vaccination events, sharing prevention resources and supporting policies that keep sick individuals home without penalty.
A Season of Prevention
This October, as we enjoy fall sports, hunting, pumpkin patch strolling, and preparing for the holidays, let’s also take steps to prepare for flu and respiratory virus season. By staying up-to-date on vaccines, practicing healthy habits and planning ahead, we can keep ourselves, our families and our community safe and healthy.
Preparedness is not only about responding to emergencies. Preparedness is also about preventing those events. Together we can make this fall a season of wellness. For more up-to-date preparedness tips and health news around Jefferson County, follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jchdPHinfo/.
Jesse Hauer is Jefferson County’s Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator.
