09/05/2026
PRESS RELEASE: Protect Yourself from Respiratory Viruses This Fall and Winter
Fall and winter bring an increase in respiratory illnesses like influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) because colder weather drives people indoors where viruses spread more easily. Calaveras County Public Health is asking residents to take simple steps now to stay well. Respiratory viruses infect the nose, throat, and lungs. Symptoms can make it difficult to tell from each other. Anyone can get sick, even healthy people. Some people are at higher risk of becoming very sick or needing to be hospitalized. At times, respiratory illness can lead to death. While respiratory viruses can spread year-round, viruses such as flu, COVID-19, and RSV are more active from October through March or April. You can keep up with the latest state data from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) on the CDPH Respiratory Virus Dashboard.
“A few simple steps can go a long way to keep ourselves, our families, and our community healthy this fall and winter,” said Dr. René Ramirez, Calaveras County Health Officer. “Now is a good time to make sure you’re up to date on recommended vaccines and know what to do you if you get sick.”
Six Ways to Protect Yourself and Others
1. Get your shots. Vaccines are the best way to lower your risk of getting very sick.
2. Stay home when you are sick. This keeps the virus from spreading to other people.
3. Wash your hands. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you do not have soap, use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
4. Cover your cough or sneeze. Use your elbow or a tissue. Throw the tissue away and wash your hands.
5. Wear a mask in crowded indoor places. An N95 or KN95 mask works best. This matters most if you are at high risk.
6. Bring in fresh air. Open windows or doors when it is safe to do so.
Know the Symptoms
Common symptoms of respiratory illnesses include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, body aches, and feeling very tired. If you feel sick, think about testing for COVID-19, flu, or RSV. Call your health care provider if you have questions about your symptoms or treatment. Treatment is available for some respiratory illnesses and works best when started early.
Visit the CDC website for more information on Flu: What To Do If You Get Sick (https://www.cdc.gov/flu/takingcare/index.html) and the Similarities and Differences between Flu and COVID-19 (https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/flu-vs-covid19.html).
To read the full press release, paste this link in your browser: https://bit.ly/463hwuR
PRESS RELEASE: Protect Yourself from Respiratory Viruses This Fall and Winter
Fall and winter bring an increase in respiratory illnesses like influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) because colder weather drives people indoors where viruses spread more easily. Calaveras County Public Health is asking residents to take simple steps now to stay well. Respiratory viruses infect the nose, throat, and lungs. Symptoms can make it difficult to tell from each other. Anyone can get sick, even healthy people. Some people are at higher risk of becoming very sick or needing to be hospitalized. At times, respiratory illness can lead to death. While respiratory viruses can spread year-round, viruses such as flu, COVID-19, and RSV are more active from October through March or April. You can keep up with the latest state data from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) on the CDPH Respiratory Virus Dashboard.
“A few simple steps can go a long way to keep ourselves, our families, and our community healthy this fall and winter,” said Dr. René Ramirez, Calaveras County Health Officer. “Now is a good time to make sure you’re up to date on recommended vaccines and know what to do you if you get sick.”
Six Ways to Protect Yourself and Others
1. Get your shots. Vaccines are the best way to lower your risk of getting very sick.
2. Stay home when you are sick. This keeps the virus from spreading to other people.
3. Wash your hands. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you do not have soap, use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
4. Cover your cough or sneeze. Use your elbow or a tissue. Throw the tissue away and wash your hands.
5. Wear a mask in crowded indoor places. An N95 or KN95 mask works best. This matters most if you are at high risk.
6. Bring in fresh air. Open windows or doors when it is safe to do so.
Know the Symptoms
Common symptoms of respiratory illnesses include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, body aches, and feeling very tired. If you feel sick, think about testing for COVID-19, flu, or RSV. Call your health care provider if you have questions about your symptoms or treatment. Treatment is available for some respiratory illnesses and works best when started early.
Visit the CDC website for more information on Flu: What To Do If You Get Sick (https://www.cdc.gov/flu/takingcare/index.html) and the Similarities and Differences between Flu and COVID-19 (https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/flu-vs-covid19.html).
To read the full press release, paste this link in your browser: https://bit.ly/463hwuR
