The Centers for Disease Control has updated its Respiratory Virus Guidance, which includes guidance for COVID-19.

CDC’s Respiratory Virus Guidance

Each year, respiratory viruses are responsible for illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths in the United States. In addition to the virus that causes COVID-19, there are many other types of respiratory viruses, including flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The good news is there are actions you can take to help protect yourself and others from health risks caused by respiratory viruses.

The CDC’s Respiratory Virus Guidance provides practical recommendations and information to help people lower risk from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV.

Remember:

·        Stay up to date on your COVID-19 Vaccine. Recommended for ages 6 months and older, the vaccine will protect you against serious illness. Even if you were vaccinated in the past, you may still need the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine. This latest vaccine provides protection from the newer variants circulating in our communities right now.

·        Stay at home when you are sick. Take care of yourself and those around you by staying home (away from others) if you have symptoms like a cough, sore throat, sneezing, or fever.

·        Take a COVID-19 test when needed. It is important to get tested if you have symptoms or were in close contact with someone who has COVID-19. If you test positive and are at higher risk, medications are available. The medications are most effective within 5 days of when symptoms begin, which is why you should get tested. OTC Covid-19 test can be accessed for free at PHHS and Sawtooth Mountain Clinic Pharmacy.

·        If positive for COVID-19, isolate until you are fever-free for 24 hours (without using medicine) and your other symptoms have improved. Wear a mask for the following 5 days, and distance yourself from those who could become severely ill due to COVID-19.

·        Be mindful every day. Frequently wash your hands and cover coughs to keep germs from spreading.

Learn more about how to Prevent Respiratory Viruses exploring the following links

·  Immunizations for Respiratory Viruses

·  Hygiene and Respiratory Virus Prevention

·  Taking Steps for Cleaner Air for Respiratory Virus Prevention

·  Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You’re Sick

·  Masks and Respiratory Virus Prevention

·  Physical Distancing and Respiratory Viruses

·  Testing and Respiratory Viruses

Updated COVID-19 vaccine recommendation for people 65 years of age and older

• On Feb. 28, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) determined and recommends that Persons 65 years of age and older should receive an additional dose of 2023-2024 formula COVID-19 vaccine. The recommendation acknowledges the increased risk of severe disease from COVID-19 in older adults, along with the currently available data on vaccine effectiveness.
• Sawtooth Mountain Clinic will be hosting Vaccine Events on March 19 at the Clinic lower level.
  
  

This new guidance from the CDC does not apply to healthcare settings such as hospitals and nursing homes. CDC offers separate, specific guidance for healthcare settings, which have not changed. Visitation to hospital and Care Center should be minimized during the 10 days past exposure or infection. Masks should be worn during this time frame also.

For questions, please contact Cook County Public Health at 218-387-3605

About Cook County, MN 

Cook County encompasses the sovereign nation of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa; the City of Grand Marais; the Townships of Lutsen, Tofte and Schroeder; and unincorporated areas in the easternmost part of Minnesota’s North Shore. Cook County Government values transparency and strives to deliver superior services and programs in a fiscally responsible way. We value the dignity of all County residents and seek to create a community that provides opportunity for all. Many of our offices are in the Cook County Courthouse at 411 W 2nd St, Grand Marais 55604. Other departments and facilities, such as the Airport, Community Center, Highway and Sheriff are located nearby. Call 218-387-3000 or visit: https://co.cook.mn.us