Based on healthcare visits for fever and cough or sore throat, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports high overall respiratory illness activity in Ohio.
The CDC advises: “It is important to take the time now to get your recommended vaccinations to reduce your risk of serious illness. You can also protect yourself with preventive actions and seek medical advice if you have symptoms.”
Illness trends in Ohio based on visits to emergency departments:
OHIO
- If you are at high risk of getting very sick, wear a high-quality mask or respirator (e.g., N95) when indoors in public.
- If you have household or social contact with someone at high risk for getting very sick, consider self-testing to detect infection before contact, and consider wearing a high-quality mask when indoors with them.
More ways to protect yourself and others
Stay up to date with vaccines
- Everyone 6 months and older should get a yearly flu vaccine and a current COVID-19 vaccine. Find a vaccine at Vaccines.gov.
- CDC recommends that all infants receive protection from one of these tools to protect them from getting very sick with RSV.
- Adults 60 years and older also may receive one dose of RSV vaccine and should talk with their healthcare provider about whether RSV vaccination is right for them.
Seek testing and possible treatment if you get sick
Improve airflow and ventilation
- Options include bringing in as much fresh air as possible, filtering the air, using a portable air cleaner, turning on exhaust fans, or choosing outdoor options.
Practice good hand hygiene and cover your coughs and sneezes
Stay home when you are sick and avoid others who are sick
Masks can help reduce the amount of germs you breathe in, and can also help protect others if you are sick. Their effectiveness against different viruses varies.
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