The Oak Park Health Department is reminding residents of ways everyone can help reduce the impact and spread of common winter illnesses. Health officials say there has been an increase in respiratory illnesses both nationally and locally, and children have been particularly affected. Cases of RSV among children have increased, and epidemiologists are predicting a significant flu season and increased COVID cases this winter. There are simple and effective practices that can help reduce the spread of illness throughout the community:
- Stay home from work or school if you are sick.
- Wash hands with regularity, including before and after preparing food, if a household member is ill, and when you come home after a social gathering, shopping or spending time at work or school.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow, and consider wearing a mask if you have a runny nose, cough or fever.
- Maximize indoor ventilation and air circulation whenever possible.
- Consider wearing a mask when gathering indoors for events and other gatherings.
- Stay up to date on your vaccines, including flu, COVID vaccines and COVID boosters.
The flu vaccine is offered at numerous medical providers, commercial pharmacies, grocery stores and other retail sites in the Oak Park area. Visit www.vaccines.gov/find-vaccines to search for a flu vaccine. Contact the Health Department at 708.358.5480 or health@oak-park.us for more information about preventing common illnesses.