Preventing respiratory illnesses
Respiratory season is upon us, with influenza, RSV and COVID-19 circulating in our community. We can all take simple steps to keep ourselves, our loved ones and our community healthy.
It’s not too late to get vaccinated. Getting vaccinated provides the best protection against illness and severe infections, including hospitalization and death. An annual influenza vaccine and the updated COVID-19 vaccine are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. A vaccine that protects against RSV is also available for older adults and pregnant people, and infants can receive monoclonal antibodies for protection against RSV. Talk to your health care provider to learn more about these options.
We can also stop the spread of germs by washing hands often with soap and water, avoiding touching our eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, covering coughs or sneezes, staying home when sick and avoiding close contact with sick people. While viruses are circulating, consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor places, especially if you or someone you live with is at higher risk for serious illness.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle – such as eating well, being physically active, and getting enough sleep – can also help to strengthen immunity.
Visit the respiratory illnesses data webpage for the latest information about COVID-19, influenza and RSV activity in Clark County.
Become a certified Composter Recycler
Make a difference in our community by signing up to become a certified Composter Recycler!
Public Health is offering a free training course that covers topics, such as backyard composting, worm bin composting, green cleaning, food waste reduction and more.
And once you complete the eight-week training, you will be a certified Composter Recycler with fun event and volunteer opportunities.
Classes are held in person 6:30-8 pm on Wednesdays beginning Jan. 29!
Get vaccinated to protect against whooping cough
Whooping cough is spreading in Clark County, with nearly 600 cases reported in 2024. Most of the cases are children who have never been vaccinated.
Children who get whooping cough can spread the illness to younger siblings, including babies who are at risk for getting very sick. They also cannot go back to school until they are no longer contagious, which could be a week or more.
The best way to keep children and other people around them healthy is to ensure everyone is up to date on whooping cough vaccines. Check out the Public Health news release for more information.
Be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning
This time of year, it’s especially important to be aware of carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas that cannot be seen or smelled.
Carbon monoxide is produced whenever any fuels, like gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal, are burned, and it can quickly build up, leading to accidental deaths.
Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by never using a generator or burning charcoal inside homes, tents, campers, vans, trucks, garages, or mobile homes. Never sleep in a room while using an unvented gas or kerosene heater. And do not idle a car in a garage, even when the garage door is open.
Public Health news
Wednesday, Jan 15, 2025
Tuesday, Jan 7, 2025
Monday, Jan 6, 2025
Public records request
To request public records involving Public Health, please access the Public Records Request Portal, create an account and complete the submittal process.