Daily News
ODH Holds Press Conference on Three Viruses Circulating in Communities
December 22, 2022
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) hosted a virtual press conference Thursday morning to discuss three respiratory viruses on the rise across the state and nation: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, and COVID-19.
ODH Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoof provided an overview of the situation in the state and reiterated simple yet effective prevention methods for staying safe this holiday season. Guest Speaker Dr. Joseph Gastaldo, Medical Director of Infectious Diseases at OhioHealth, elaborated on prevention and treatment during the second half of the event.
Dr. Vanderhof had an optimistic message for Ohioans looking forward to gathering with loved ones in the coming days. “We can maintain these important traditions,” he assured viewers, as long as we keep in mind some basic precautions:
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Stay home and away from others if you feel unwell.
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For influenza and COVID-19, maximize your cellular immunity to these viruses through vaccination.
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Practice good hand hygiene.
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Consider wearing a high-quality mask in crowded indoor spaces.
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Improve ventilation by cracking a window or door if it is safe to do so.
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Test yourself for COVID-19 before gathering with anyone who is immunocompromised or has a high-risk condition.
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If you are at higher risk, work with your medical provider to plan for testing and treatment in the event of illness.
Both doctors emphasized the number one way to stop the spread of RSV, influenza and COVID-19 viruses is to stay home if you are feeling unwell. Encourage loved ones to participate in celebrations virtually if they could be sick.
Fortunately, current vaccines for influenza and COVID-19 are very effective against the strains and subvariants circulating most widely. Both vaccines are approved for people aged 6 months and older.
RSV does not have an effective vaccine, so for now prevention is key. Proper hand hygiene can prevent the spread of the RSV virus through surface contact.
When gathering in crowded indoor spaces, wearing a high quality mask may be appropriate. Pay attention to local community transmission data and recommendations.
Hosts can also improve ventilation by cracking windows and doors when it is safe to do so. “Good ventilation dilutes the amount of virus in the air,” explained Dr. Gastaldo.
Another helpful prevention measure is conducting a rapid COVID-19 test before you get together with anyone at high risk or immunocompromised. The Federal Government recently resumed a program providing free at-home COVID-19 testing kits.
If you are immunocompromised or at higher risk for severe illness, make a plan with your healthcare provider for testing and treatment before you get sick. Medications for the treatment of influenza and COVID-19 are most effective when administered early. These treatments may also interact with your other medications, so it is important to discuss options with your care team ahead of time.
“Even though these respiratory viruses do pose challenges for us, we have the tools at-hand,” Dr. Vanderhof concluded. “It’s about using good common sense to protect ourselves and our loved ones as best we can.”
Watch below: