Erie County Health Department seeing increase in respiratory viruses

SANDUSKY – The Erie County Health Department is asking the public to get vaccinated following an increase in vaccine-preventable diseases in the county.

According to the Health Department, this year, there elevated levels of respiratory disease caused by multiple viruses including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza viruses, SARS-CoV-2 have been reported to be co-circulating around the country. Over the past two years, respiratory disease activity had been dominated primarily by SARS-CoV-2, which is the virus that causes COVID-19, which made circulation of other respiratory viruses lower than pre-COVID-19 pandemic years.

There are vaccines to prevent influenza and SARS-CoV-2, and the Health Department says receiving the vaccines is the best form of protection against the viruses. Vaccines are available by appointment at eight Erie County Health Department locations. To schedule an appointment, call 419-626-5623 ext.5174.

The Health Department also recommends individuals do the following to prevent spreading infections:

• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, not your hands
  
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  
• Avoid close contact such as hugging, shaking hands, sharing items with others
  
• Clean frequently touched surfaces often