OSWEGO COUNTY – The Oswego County Health Department encourages residents to be mindful of respiratory diseases like influenza, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and pertussis making the rounds as they planning their holiday gatherings this season.
“Family gatherings and holiday parties bring us close together, which also creates the chance to spread respiratory diseases,” said Oswego County Public Health Director Vera Dunsmoor. “We want to be thoughtful about preventing the spread of respiratory diseases, especially when we are meeting up with our older family members or those with chronic health conditions.”
Respiratory viruses are contagious and spread person-to-person when someone who is sick coughs or sneezes without covering their nose and mouth. Viruses can spread when a person breathes in germs or touches a surface that has been contaminated and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth. Covering coughs and sneezes and frequent handwashing are important steps in preventing the spread of respiratory viruses.
“Immunization is the best protection against severe respiratory disease,” said Oswego County Supervising Public Health Nurse Jennifer Purtell. “There is still time to get your COVID-19 and flu vaccines to protect yourself and your loved ones.”
The importance of being aware of respiratory diseases extends beyond influenza, COVID-19 and RSV. Central New York has seen an increase in pertussis, otherwise known as whooping cough, cases in 2024.
“Routine childhood immunizations provide protection against pertussis,” said Oswego County Health Department Medical Director Dr. Christina Liepke. “Make sure your children are up to date on their vaccines. Adults who have not been vaccinated can receive a dose of Tdap for protection.”
Pertussis is identified by the characteristic violent coughing fits with a high-pitched “whoop” after a coughing fit. Children or adults with pertussis may cough so hard that they vomit and can become extremely exhausted after. It’s important to remember that adults may not have that classic “whoop” when they cough. Pertussis is a serious health concern; anyone with these symptoms (children and babies especially) should see a health care provider immediately.
“Our infectious disease team keeps an eye on these diseases year-round,” said Oswego County Epidemiologist Matthew Goodsell. “In the last couple of weeks, we have seen an increase in flu and RSV cases, so we know that peak season is on its way.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following for the general prevention of respiratory diseases:
- Stay up to date on immunizations
- Practice good hygiene, such as handwashing, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and disinfecting commonly used or touched surfaces
- Take steps for cleaner air by opening windows or circulating air through air filters
- Monitor yourself and your children for symptoms of respiratory diseases, including fever, sniffling, sneezing, cough, stuffy or runny nose, and sore throat.
Those with symptoms of respiratory diseases should stay home and reschedule holiday plans. If experiencing trouble breathing or chest pain, seek emergency medical care immediately.
The Oswego County Health Department offers clinics for flu and COVID-19 on Mondays and Fridays from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. Appointments are required, and residents can call the health department at 315-349-3547 to schedule an appointment.
Residents can see local respiratory disease case counts by visiting the health department’s respiratory disease dashboard at https://health.oswegocounty.com/programs/1_preventive/respiratory_disease.php#Dashboard.
For more information on respiratory disease and immunizations, contact the Oswego County Health Department Preventive Division at 315-349-3547.
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