Stay safe this winter: Protect yourself and community from contagious illnesses
Contagious illnesses are back and spreading quickly as people of all ages spend time indoors this winter. These illnesses include:
- Seasonal influenza (flu)
- Norovirus (sometimes called “stomach flu”)
- Pertussis (whooping cough)
- COVID-19
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Local and national data sources show that all five of these contagious illnesses are reaching a new high in our community. Protect yourself and others with these prevention strategies.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
Some viruses, like norovirus, can’t be stopped by only using hand sanitizer. Washing your hands with soap for at least 30 seconds is the most reliable method of preventing the spread of these illnesses. Learn more about how norovirus spreads.
Stay home when you have symptoms
Symptoms may include cough, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, upset stomach, diarrhea or a fever. Protect yourself and community by staying home when you don’t feel well.
Cover your cough with your arms or a mask
Nobody wants to get coughed on! Make sure to wear a well-fitting mask or at least cover your coughs and sneezes and remind your kids to do the same. Consider wearing a mask when visiting indoor public spaces and traveling.
Take tests when exposed to or experiencing symptoms
If you have any of the symptoms listed above, you should take a COVID test. Keep in mind that rapid tests are convenient but can result in false negatives. You should take multiple rapid tests over a series of several days if you get a negative result, and take additional precautions, such as masking and staying at home, in the meantime. You can also get a molecular test through your primary care provider.
Get vaccinated if you haven’t yet
The Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine are still available and you can safely receive more than one at the same visit. There’s also an RSV vaccine available for infants, pregnant people, older adults and other groups. Vaccines are available by appointment through Ramsey County and generally available throughout our community. It’s not too late to take this step to protect yourself and your community!
The data
Use the websites below to access the data that shows illnesses spreading in Ramsey County and nationally.
- CDC Respiratory Illness Data – interactive dashboard with options to choose location and see local information
- Weekly Influenza and Respiratory Illness Activity Report – MDH
- Ramsey County COVID-19 Surveillance Dashboard
- Whooping Cough – CDC