Health Officials Offer Tips To Prevent Spread Of Respiratory Illnesses

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — The McHenry County Department of Health is offering tips for residents looking to stay healthy this holiday season as the rates for respiratory illnesses, including the flu, COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses, remain high.

On Thursday, local officials shared these tips with area residents, with the hopes of slowing the spread of these viruses:

• Stay home when sick: This is the easiest way to protect others but also hard to do; do not gather with others if you have respiratory symptoms.
• Stay up to date with vaccines: The flu and COVID vaccines are the most powerful tools for avoiding and transmitting respiratory infections. Receiving these vaccines reduces the risk of getting infected, transmitting, becoming severely ill and significantly reduces the likelihood of hospitalization or death. Everyone 6 months of age and older are eligible for a flu shot and the COVID vaccine, and it is safe to receive both vaccines together. To find a participating location offering both vaccines, visit Vaccines.gov.
• Use good respiratory etiquette. Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow reduces particle transmission to others.
• Avoid hugs and kisses: Health officials say that while it can be difficult to withhold displays of affection, this can be an easy way to prevent the spread of illness. With infants, it is a best practice to avoid handling and kissing their hands and feet as these are frequently going into their mouths and the easiest way for them to contract an illness. Kissing the top of their heads or on their forehead is a safer alternative to show affection.
• Wash hands frequently: Washing hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds or using hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol if soap and water are unavailable reduces germs found on hands that are transmitted to surfaces or others.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects frequently. High-touch surfaces and objects such as desks, keyboards and phones are often contaminated with germs. Frequently cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces will reduce the transmission of illnesses. Always follow the instructions on product labels for safe use.

For more tips to combat against respiratory illnesses, please visit the CDC.