Flu and cold season is here, so knowing how best to protect yourself and others is key.
Respiratory viruses are spread via droplets — to the tune of 3,000 in a cough and up to 40,000 in a sneeze — and make many folks sick during the colder months. Vaccines may help protect you against severe symptoms associated with influenza, COVID-19, pneumococcal pneumonia and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, infections. This protection is especially important for people at high risk for complications, like adults older than 65, individuals with chronic medical conditions and pregnant women.
In keeping with its mission to protect and improve the health of local residents, the Butte-Silver Bow Health Department strives to encourage a safe community this cold and flu season.
Their main piece of advice? Getting vaccinated against preventable illnesses is a simple step to help keep you and your family — as well as others — healthy during the winter months and beyond. Read on for 2023-24 vaccination guidelines.
Influenza
Flu vaccination is recommended for all individuals, 6 months and older, to protect against the four viruses shown to be most common during the upcoming season.
COVID-19
All individuals age 5 years and older should get one dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine — Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna or Novavax — to protect against serious illness from COVID-19.
Pneumococcal pneumonia
Of the various pneumococcal diseases, pneumococcal pneumonia is the most common and severe type. Vaccination is recommended for children younger than 5 years, people 5 through 64 years old who are at increased risk for pneumococcal disease and adults over 65.
Respiratory syncytial virus
RSV is a common respiratory virus that can be dangerous for infants, toddlers and older adults as the immune system weakens with age. Vaccination guidelines vary by age.
Here are precautions you can take to help stop the spread of respiratory illness.
- Stay home if you experience symptoms of a respiratory illness. Remain at home until 24 hours after any fever is gone, without the use of fever-reducing medication, unless medical care is needed.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or, if unavailable, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Cover your nose and mouth with your inner elbow or a disposable tissue when coughing and/or sneezing.
- Steer clear of those experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness.
Keep these tips in mind this holiday season so you can spend more time celebrating than coughing.
To reduce the burden of vaccine-preventable disease among all members of the community, the Butte-Silver Bow Health Department’s Immunization Program offers education, guidance and safe distribution of vaccines to all residents, including those who are underinsured or uninsured. Vaccine appointments with a public health nurse are available Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Call 406.497.5086 to schedule your family’s appointments today or visit co.silverbow.mt.us/135/Health.
