Commonground
Senior Moderator
San Juan County’s Department of Health & Community Services
November 24, 2025
Each year, respiratory illnesses are responsible for millions of illnesses and thousands of hospitalizations and deaths in the United States. Respiratory illnesses like influenza (flu), COVID-19, and RSV often surge during the holidays. We are expecting a severe flu season this year. The good news is there are actions you can take to help protect yourself and others from health risks caused by respiratory viruses.
Based on data from other countries, there is concern that one of the flu viruses has changed enough to make it significantly different from the strain chosen for this year’s flu vaccine. It is important to remember that no matter which strains of flu circulate here, the current flu vaccine covers several strains and still offers the best protection from developing serious illness and hospitalization. Getting your updated vaccines before holiday gatherings will shield you against the worst of the flu illness. If you or a loved one tests positive for the flu, seeking early treatment from a medical provider to get prescription antivirals can reduce the severity of the illness.
The best protection against respiratory illnesses is vaccination. Vaccines can prevent the worst symptoms and help keep you out of the hospital if you do become sick. If you have questions about any of the vaccines, please don’t hesitate to reach out and speak with your healthcare provider or one of our public health nurses. Other ways to stay safe from respiratory illnesses like flu, COVID-19, and RSV are:
Bird flu is back in the headlines. In November 2025, a Washington resident in Grays Harbor County was confirmed to be infected with avian influenza. This is the first known human case of this particular strain (H5N5). While public health experts say that the risk to the general public remains low, people with exposure to wild or domestic birds (especially backyard flocks) should be extra cautious.
If you own poultry, knowing key prevention practices to ensure your health and the health of your family and flock is important. Biosecurity refers to the steps we can take to keep diseases away from poultry and people. For more information about how to keep your flock healthy, follow the guidelines on this poster and this website.
continued: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?aid=2051
November 24, 2025
Each year, respiratory illnesses are responsible for millions of illnesses and thousands of hospitalizations and deaths in the United States. Respiratory illnesses like influenza (flu), COVID-19, and RSV often surge during the holidays. We are expecting a severe flu season this year. The good news is there are actions you can take to help protect yourself and others from health risks caused by respiratory viruses.
Based on data from other countries, there is concern that one of the flu viruses has changed enough to make it significantly different from the strain chosen for this year’s flu vaccine. It is important to remember that no matter which strains of flu circulate here, the current flu vaccine covers several strains and still offers the best protection from developing serious illness and hospitalization. Getting your updated vaccines before holiday gatherings will shield you against the worst of the flu illness. If you or a loved one tests positive for the flu, seeking early treatment from a medical provider to get prescription antivirals can reduce the severity of the illness.
The best protection against respiratory illnesses is vaccination. Vaccines can prevent the worst symptoms and help keep you out of the hospital if you do become sick. If you have questions about any of the vaccines, please don’t hesitate to reach out and speak with your healthcare provider or one of our public health nurses. Other ways to stay safe from respiratory illnesses like flu, COVID-19, and RSV are:
- Stay home when you are sick. If you have any of the following symptoms, stay home until you feel better: fever, sore throat, cough, sneezing, headache, nausea and/or vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Consider masking. If you must go out while you are sick or if you are visiting a vulnerable family member, consider wearing a well-fitting mask to protect those around you. People are considered vulnerable if they are under six months old or over sixty years old, or someone who is likely to become severely ill with an illness that may seem mild to others.
- Cover your cough or sneeze. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or inside of your elbow when you cough or sneeze. Put your used tissue in the waste basket and wash your hands immediately.
- Wash your hands regularly. Use soap and water. If there is no soap available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated with viruses.
- Take antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.
Bird flu is back in the headlines. In November 2025, a Washington resident in Grays Harbor County was confirmed to be infected with avian influenza. This is the first known human case of this particular strain (H5N5). While public health experts say that the risk to the general public remains low, people with exposure to wild or domestic birds (especially backyard flocks) should be extra cautious.
If you own poultry, knowing key prevention practices to ensure your health and the health of your family and flock is important. Biosecurity refers to the steps we can take to keep diseases away from poultry and people. For more information about how to keep your flock healthy, follow the guidelines on this poster and this website.
continued: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?aid=2051