You can reduce the risk of respiratory infections by following simple hygiene practices.

• Get vaccinated for flu, COVID-19, and RSV.
• Avoid close contact with individuals who are sick.
• Take precautions to stop the spread of germs:
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
  • Avoid coughing or sneezing into your hands or into the air.
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Stay home if you're feeling unwell. Return to daily activities only after being fever-free for 24 hours with improving symptoms.

Click here for more information on Influenza (Flu) from the CDC.

Good hygiene and food safety practices are essential for preventing stomach illnesses.

• Wash your hands using soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially:
  • Before eating
  • Before, during, and after cooking food
  • After using the bathroom
• Cook your food thoroughly using a meat thermometer.
• Avoid eating undercooked meats, poultry, or eggs.
• Wash vegetables and fruits before eating them.
• Do not rewash bagged vegetables that have been pre-washed.
• Avoid consuming raw milk or raw eggs.
• Avoid drinking lake or pool water.
• Wash your hands after handling animals.

Click here for more information about handwashing/cleaning hands from the CDC.

Click here for additional information from the Global Hygiene Council.

Vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself against pertussis.

• Get vaccinated to protect against pertussis.
• Keep babies and others at risk away from infected individuals.
• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze — use a tissue or your elbow.
• Avoid covering your cough or sneeze with your hands.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Follow your doctor’s prescription for antibiotics if diagnosed with pertussis.

Click here for more information on Pertussis (Whooping Cough) from the CDC.

Minimize your exposure to mosquitoes to reduce the risk of contracting West Nile Virus.

• Protect yourself from mosquitoes at dawn and dusk.
• Use EPA-registered insect repellent:
  • Follow the instructions and reapply as directed.
  • Do not use on babies younger than two months old.
• Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs.
• Control mosquitoes inside and outside your house by draining standing water and scrubbing items that hold water.

 Click here for information on West Nile Virus from the CDC.

To protect your newborn from Hepatitis B, it's essential to take preventive steps early.

Ensure that your healthcare provider knows your Hepatitis B status. If you're positive for the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), your baby should receive the hepatitis B vaccine and a shot of HBIG (Hepatitis B immune globulin) within 12 hours of birth.

These steps help prevent the transmission of the virus during delivery. Additionally, follow through with the recommended vaccine schedule and post-vaccine blood tests to confirm protection.

Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Program (PHBPP)

The Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Program is available through Public Health to help prevent the transmission of Hepatitis B from mother to newborn during delivery.

The program manages care for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive pregnant women through delivery and ensures that their newborns receive the necessary immunizations and follow-up testing to protect against the virus.

Providers refer patients who are positive for Hepatitis B to the program.

If you have been bitten by an animal:

• Identify animal for quarantine or rabies testing
• Wash wounds thoroughly with soap and water
• Seek medical attention
• Wounds may be infected
• Rabies post exposure prophylaxis may be needed
• Contact your Local Rabies Control Authority (LRCA)

Click here for additional information from Animal Management & Welfare.