As the country navigates peak respiratory infection season, the St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) reminds county residents of local resources to help with preventing and treating illness. Common respiratory infections this season include influenza (flu), COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and pertussis (whooping cough). Symptoms can include sore throat, cough, headache, stuffy nose, and fever. SMCHD encourages community members to prevent or minimize the spread of illness by staying up-to-date with vaccines and utilizing testing resources when needed. Stay up-to-date with vaccines SMCHD encourages annual flu vaccines for all persons aged 6 months and older. New updated COVID-19 vaccines have better coverage of currently circulating variants of COVID-19 and are approved for those aged 6 months and older. The RSV vaccine is available for adults 75 and older and for adults 60–74 who are at higher risk of severe illness. Infants under 8 months of age who are born during or entering their first RSV season should receive a dose of RSV monoclonal antibody. Infants aged 8-19 months who are at increased risk for severe RSV should receive a dose before their second RSV season. This includes children who were born prematurely, have chronic lung disease, or have severe […]
The post Respiratory Infections in St. Mary’s County, Health Department Resources, Prevention and Treating Illnesses in Peak Infection Season appeared first on Southern Maryland News Net.
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