Respiratory illness season is here, but it’s not too late for a flu shot

Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that cases of COVID-19, influenza and RSV (short for respiratory syncytial virus) have been on the rise nationwide. Respiratory illnesses are more commonly spread in the winter and this region sees no exception to nationwide trends.

“Cases of all respiratory illnesses have been up some in our region, very similarly to the rest of the country,” said Dr. Mark Peterson, medical director of Norton Sound Health Corporation.

NSHC did not have data to share about the number of cases or hospitalizations recorded across the region.

Preventative measures, like masking and vaccination, can help guard against illness. NSHC offers no-out-of-pocket cost immunizations at the pharmacies and any primary care clinic in the region.

“We have flu and COVID vaccines for all patients six-months and older, and an RSV vaccine for children younger than 2years-old, pregnant mothers, and elders aged 60 years and older,” said Reba Lean, NSHC’s public relations manager. “For folks living in the regional villages, they should contact their clinic to arrange a vaccination in advance, just to make sure they have the vaccine in stock. All three of these vaccines can be given in one visit, and at the same time as any other needed vaccines.”

Flu and COVID shots, as well as other immunizations, will be available the Nome Health Fair on Jan. 25, Lean added.

“It is definitely not too late in the season for the flu shot,” she said. “Though we are seeing cases in our region, we have seen flu season last through the spring, and with so many opportunities for it to spread, like all the indoor winter events and activities, we encourage people to get their flu shots as soon as they can.”