Simple Steps to Prevent Illness This Flu and COVID Season
ZANESVILLE, OH – Cold, flu, and COVID-19 season is here, and officials say hospitalizations are on the rise.
Since mid-December, about 20 people have been hospitalized locally due to respiratory illnesses. This rise is a reminder to take steps to protect yourself and others. Zanesville Muskingum County Health Department Medical Director, Jack Butterfield, provided some tips on how to prevent from getting sick.
“If you’re sick, stay home. Don’t expose your family and friends to your illness. Also, if you are sick, it makes sense to get a COVID test just so you know what you have. Wash your hands frequently to help prevent yourself from getting sick. If you have respiratory symptoms, it makes sense to wear a mask if you’re in big crowds,” Dr. Butterfield said.
It’s also recommended to consider vaccines for flu, COVID, and RSV. If you haven’t received yours yet and would like to, the health department makes it easy. You can walk in for a vaccine or call ahead to schedule an appointment.
“I think the most important thing to prevent yourself from getting sick is by taking the opportunity to get a vaccine. We have flu vaccines, we have RSV vaccines, and we have COVID vaccines. All of those things are on the increase. So, it would be worthwhile to cease the opportunity to help prevent yourself from getting sick,” Dr. Butterfield said.
If you’re feeling sick, you can also stop by the Zanesville Muskingum County Health Department to pick up a free COVID-19 test kit. For more information, please visit the health departments website.
