Recently, the Norwalk Health Department provided the community with recommendations on how to take health precautions and mitigate the spread of several serious viruses that are on the rise across Connecticut and around the country.
As the cold weather begins, the Health Department encourages the community to help prevent the spread of flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID, and other respiratory viruses by following these actions:
• Stay up to date on your vaccines, including your flu shot and COVID-19 boosters
• Wash your hands well and often
• Cover your cough and sneeze with your arm
• Disinfect high-touch surfaces
• Stay home from work and school when you are experiencing symptoms (even if you have a negative COVID test, because other germs can be dangerous, too)
• Consider wearing a high-quality, well-fitting mask in public, especially if you have symptoms and can’t stay home or if you are around others experiencing symptoms
“Public health officials at the national and state level have warned CT residents to prepare for a serious flu season this year,” explained Deanna D’Amore, MPH, Norwalk Director of Health. “Unfortunately, RSV and COVID are already adding to the problem. We encourage everyone to stay up to date on your vaccines, practice good ‘respiratory etiquette’, and stay home when you’re feeling sick.”
Last week (December 5-9) was National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW), a national public health awareness campaign aimed at highlighting the importance of getting the influenza vaccine. An annual flu shot is recommended for everyone six months and older.
The Health Department offers flu vaccine each Tuesday afternoon (1 pm – 3 pm) at its office (137 East Avenue). COVID boosters are also available at those clinics, while
For more information visit: https://www.norwalkct.org/flu or call (203) 854-7985.
Other online resources include:
• CDC Flu Page: http://www.flu.gov
• CDC RSV Page: https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/
• CT DPH Flu Page: https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Epidemiology-and-Emerging-Infections/Influenza-Surveillance-and-Statistics
• National COVID and Flu Vaccine Finder: http://www.vaccines.gov
