Precautions Advised To Prevent Respiratory Illnesses During Holidays

With COVID-19, the flu, and other respiratory illnesses usually surging in the winter months, West Virginians are advised to take precautions.

“It is so easy to transmit many of these viruses from touching, hugging, being close, in very close proximity to others, so obviously keeping some separation — but also frequent hand washing and or using a hand sanitizer, keeping those out for the whole family to use during the holidays,” Dr. Steven Eshenaur, health officer and executive director of the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department, said. 

Eshenaur also emphasized that some are at more risk than others. Generally, newborns and the elderly have weaker immune systems.

“If you’re sick, I know you may want to go hug the new baby, the new niece, the new nephew or new grandchild,” Eshenaur said. “It’s probably best not to do that, to help protect them because of their lack of immunity.”

Eshenaur says while this is the mildest viral year of the last few for Kanawha County, he is concerned about immunization rates remaining low. That could mean a larger outbreak later in the season.

The state last updated its weekly respiratory dashboard Dec. 20. It recorded minimal risk for influenza and a declining weekly COVID-19 hospitalization rate. However, medical visits for respiratory symptoms were increasing.

This year, positive influenza tests peaked in March, and positive COVID-19 tests peaked in September, according to the dashboard.