PH updates



November 21, 2022

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Ways to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones
From Respiratory Viruses This Holiday Season

With respiratory viruses circulating and illness on the rise, we want to remind you of some strategies you can use to reduce your risk of infection with COVID-19, influenza (the flu) and RSV as you travel, and host or attend gatherings for the upcoming holidays.

You've likely heard that there has been an increase in RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) [ [link removed] ] cases around the country, in Michigan and around our region. This increase, and the onset of flu [ [link removed] ]?season, recently prompted the Michigan Health and Hospital Association to release a statement [ [link removed] ]?urging parents to take preventive measures to protect their children as hospitals experience a shortage of pediatric beds and all care is impacted.

*"RSV Activity in Michigan"*

RSV PCR Testing [ [link removed] ]RSV PCR Testing Notes

Flu season has started in the United States and typically peaks between December and February. Flu activity is elevated across the country. In Ottawa County, influenza test positivity [ [link removed] ] is currently elevated.

*"Influenza Test Positivity in Ottawa County?"*

OC Influenza Test Positivity [ [link removed] ]

And while we're not hearing as much about COVID-19 these days, cases [ [link removed] ] are still circulating in Ottawa County.?Although current official case counts are underreported, a winter surge may be expected, similar to the trend observed during the winter over the last two years.

*"Comparison of COVID-19 Case Rates by Year in Ottawa County"*

COVID 7 Day Case Averages [ [link removed] ]

All of these viruses are spread in similar ways, most often through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.?RSV is more easily spread by contact with contaminated surfaces than the viruses that cause COVID-19 and the flu, though it is possible for all of these viruses to be spread this way.

The *good news* is that there are things you can do to create a safer holiday for your most vulnerable loved ones (and everyone else!).? COVID-19 prevention strategies also work well at providing protection from other respiratory viruses. These tips will be useful over the coming winter months to help lower your risk of contracting or spreading a respiratory illness as well.


* [ [link removed] ]*Watch for any new symptoms of illness. *It is difficult to tell the difference between COVID-19 and the flu based on symptoms alone. Testing is needed to identify the illness.?
Symptoms of RSV [ [link removed] ]
Symptoms of the flu [ [link removed] ]
Symptoms of COVID-19 [ [link removed] ]


* *How long will you be contagious? I*f you're sick today, there's a good chance you'll be contagious on Thanksgiving, regardless of the type of virus. The infectious windows for the viruses highlighted here are as follows:
* "*Flu*": contagious for 5-7 days [ [link removed] ] after start of symptoms.
* "*RSV*": contagious for 3-8 days [ [link removed] ] after start of symptoms. Some infants and people with weakened immune systems can spread the virus even after they stop showing symptoms, for as long as 4 weeks.
* "*COVID-19*": there is evidence that an Omicron infection can last, on average, 8-10 days. Some people will be infectious for less, and some will be infectious for more. You won't know unless you test.1 Follow the CDC's guidance on isolation [ [link removed] ] if you test positive.


* If you develop symptoms, *use an at-home COVID-19 test or visit an OCDPH?testing site [ [link removed] ]*. If your first test is negative, but you still have symptoms, test again in 24-48 hours. If your test is positive, you should assume you have COVID-19.?*(Note: at this time, routine testing for RSV and influenza is not recommended, except when ordered by a healthcare provider).* ?"Free at-home COVID-19 test kits are available at testing sites in Coopersville, Holland, Hudsonville and Grand Haven. Many health insurance companies will also provide free at-home test kits. Contact your health insurance company for details."

* None of us want to miss out on the joy of the holidays, but if you are sick, *stay home and avoid close contact with others. *Children who are sick should not attend school, daycare or other activities.


* *Get your COVID-19 vaccination or updated booster [ [link removed] ], as well as your flu shot. *Find COVID-19 vaccines at *VaccinateWestMi.com [ [link removed] ]*. Call your healthcare provider or local pharmacy for the flu vaccine.?There is currently no approved vaccine for RSV.??


* *Ventilate your space.* Good ventilation can help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. Learn more about improving ventilation [ [link removed] ].


* *Consider taking a COVID-19 at-home test prior to gathering,* especially if you are getting together with people who are older, immunocompromised, or at risk for severe illness.?


* *Consider wearing a high quality, well-fitting mask* when you travel, or at gatherings, if you or someone at the gathering is at high risk for severe illness (see list in bullet point above).


* *Wash your hands thoroughly and often*, especially before preparing food. If you are sick, avoid preparing food for others. In addition, *clean frequently touched surfaces* more often.

By using some care and making a plan ahead of time, you and your loved ones can hopefully enjoy safer holidays this year!

1Your Local Epidemiologist, "Thanksgiving Week! Friendly reminder" [ [link removed] ], November 21, 2022

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county updates________________________________________________________________________

Updated Online:
Communicable Diseases in Ottawa County

*October 2022 Report [ [link removed] ]*

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Ottawa County COVID-19 Data Hub

Ottawa County publishes recent COVID-19 data relating to community transmission, case counts and descriptive statistics. The data hub is updated every weekday from Monday - Friday by 4:00 pm.?View Data Hub [ [link removed] ]

Weekly COVID-19 Surveillance Reports can be found on our COVID page [ [link removed] ].?

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Ottawa County COVID-19 Resources

*miOttawa.org/COVID19 [ [link removed] ]*

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*MDHHS COVID-19 Resources*

*Vaccine Information [ [link removed] ] I MI Vaccine Locations [ [link removed] ]?I FAQs [ [link removed] ]*

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*More COVID-19 Vaccine Information Resources*

*VaccinateWestMi.com FAQs [ [link removed] ]?I?Deaf & Hard of Hearing FAQ Videos [ [link removed] ]
CDC COVID-19 FAQs Flyer [ [link removed] ]?I CDC FAQ Website [ [link removed] ]*

*Alternative Languages:?Arabic [ [link removed] ]?|?Spanish [ [link removed] ]?|?Korean [ [link removed] ]?|?Russian [ [link removed] ]?|?Simplified Chinese [ [link removed] ]?|?Tagalog [ [link removed] ]?|?Traditional Chinese [ [link removed] ]?|?Vietnamese [ [link removed] ]*

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"The Ottawa County Department of Public Health (OCDPH) sent this update to those who signed up for vaccine notifications [ [link removed] ]?or COVID-19 updates [ [link removed] ].?You may also?sign up to receive information about other news topics [ [link removed] ] from Ottawa County Parks, Sheriff?s Office and more. See the end of this email to make any changes to your subscription preferences."

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