Other Prevalent Health Concerns
This page provides information on other health concerns that are currently widespread, including the flu and mokeypox.
Monkey Pox Update
Monkeypox is a rare viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox does not commonly occur in the US, but there currently is an outbreak of monkeypox with cases spreading in Washington state and across the country, as well as in many other countries.
Monkeypox is spread through close contact with an infected person who has symptoms. To learn more about monkeypox, including symptoms, prevention and treatment, visit the Washington Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites. For answers to questions about monkeypox, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Frequently Asked Questions webpage.
Vaccine
To help stop the spread of monkeypox virus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is distributing a limited amount of the vaccine JYNNEOS, which is approved to protect against smallpox and monkeypox.
Washington State Department of Health received a limited supply of JYNNEOS. While vaccine supply is limited, only those who have been in close contact with someone who has monkeypox are eligible for vaccination. Eligibility may change as vaccine availability increases.
To learn more about vaccines to prevent monkeypox, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website and Washington Department of Health’s monkeypox FAQs.
Monkeypox is spread through close contact with an infected person who has symptoms. To learn more about monkeypox, including symptoms, prevention and treatment, visit the Washington Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites. For answers to questions about monkeypox, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Frequently Asked Questions webpage.
Vaccine
To help stop the spread of monkeypox virus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is distributing a limited amount of the vaccine JYNNEOS, which is approved to protect against smallpox and monkeypox.
Washington State Department of Health received a limited supply of JYNNEOS. While vaccine supply is limited, only those who have been in close contact with someone who has monkeypox are eligible for vaccination. Eligibility may change as vaccine availability increases.
To learn more about vaccines to prevent monkeypox, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website and Washington Department of Health’s monkeypox FAQs.
Flu Season Information
Influenza (flu) is a respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. People with flu can spread it to others around them. Flu can occur at any time of year, but most commonly spreads during fall and winter months, also known as “flu season.”
Flu can cause mild to severe illness. Severe cases can result in hospitalization or death. Some people, such as older adults, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at higher risk for severe illness from flu. Learn more at cdc.gov/flu.
Flu can cause mild to severe illness. Severe cases can result in hospitalization or death. Some people, such as older adults, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at higher risk for severe illness from flu. Learn more at cdc.gov/flu.
Get a Flu Vaccine
Getting a flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your family from getting sick with flu. A yearly flu vaccine is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older. The vaccine is free for children ages 18 and younger.
Ways to get a vaccine:
Getting a flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your family from getting sick with flu. A yearly flu vaccine is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older. The vaccine is free for children ages 18 and younger.
Ways to get a vaccine:
- Call your doctor’s office and schedule an appointment.
- Check vaccinefinder.org to find a pharmacy or clinic near you.
By getting a flu vaccine, you can:
- Protect your health and your family’s health.
- Protect vulnerable loved ones, friends, and neighbors.
- Protect essential workers, including first responders and healthcare workers.
- Help ensure hospitals and clinics have capacity to respond to COVID-19 and other illnesses.
Many of the same steps recommended to prevent COVID-19 are effective for preventing flu and other respiratory illnesses.
- Stay home as much as possible if you feel sick.
- Wash your hands frequently and carry hand sanitizer with you.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow.
- Consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces.
RSV Information
Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus, or 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, especially for infants and older adults. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs) in children younger than 1 year of age in the United States.
For the latest information on RSV, please visit the link HERE.