Washington State is experiencing an overwhelming number of children and babies being hospitalized for respiratory diseases. The CDC has issued a Health Advisory for the state as the rise in the Flu, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and COVID pushes the limits of pediatric hospitals.
A Brief Overview
- Prevention is the best way to fight respiratory illness.
- Vaccinations for Flu, Covid-19 and RSV.
- Good Hygiene: Wash your hands and cover coughs.
- Stay home if you feel like you are getting sick and if you are sick.
- For more information CDC respiratory illness guidelines.
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Protect children by making sure that they are up to date on flu shots and COVID boosters. Vaccinations reduce the severity of an infection if a child is exposed.
Remember lessons learned in the first COVID surges. Wear masks in crowded spaces. Wash hands frequently and use hand sanitizer to reduce the risks of infection.
What should you do?
If your infant or child is sick, here are some online resources to help:
- Seattle Children’s Bronchiolitis Care Packet at seattlechildrens.org and get information at kidshealth.org.
- If your child is on Apple Health, here are the nurse support line numbers:
- Amerigroup (AMS) 1-866-864-2544
- Community Health Plan (CHPW) 1-866-418-2920
- Coordinated Care (CCW) 1-877-644-4613
- Molina Health Care (MHC) 1-888-275-8750
- United Health Care (UHC) 1-877-543-3409
Core prevention strategies for Respiratory illnesses.
- Current immunizations for Flu, Covid-19 and RSV.
- Hygiene- wash your hands frequently.
- Crack a window for fresh air or run an air purifier for cleaner air.
- Treatment for Flu and Covid-19.
- Stay home and prevent the spread of respiratory illness.
Additional steps:
- Wear a mask.
- Social distancing.
- Have free Covid-19 at home test kits.