Respiratory Illnesses
Influenza (Flu)
Influenza (Flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year. Click on the links below to learn more about Influenza.
COVID-19
COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2.
The virus can be very contagious and spreads mainly by breathing in air that has small droplets and particles that contain the virus. It can also be spread by droplets and particles landing in someone’s eyes, nose, or mouth. Sometimes, the infected person may contaminate surfaces they touch, but this is uncommon. Anyone with COVID-19 can spread the illness, even if they do NOT have symptoms. Click on the links below to learn more about COVID-19.
Enterovirus A71
Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) can cause a mild illness that clears on its own, such as hand, foot, and mouth disease, or no symptoms at all. Rarely, it can also cause severe neurologic disease, such as meningitis, encephalitis (swelling of the brain and spinal cord) or acute flaccid myelitis (AFM). Click on the link below to learn more about EV-A71.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV)
Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus (RSV), is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious. Infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV and need hospitalization. If you are age 60 or older, a vaccine is available to protect you from severe RSV. Click on the link below for more information on RSV.