The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following steps to prevent the spread of RSV, especially if you or your child is experiencing cold-like symptoms.

• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper shirt sleeve, not your hands
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Avoid close contact, such as kissing, shaking hands, and sharing cups and eating utensils, with others
• Clean frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs and mobile devices

Ideally, people with cold-like symptoms should not interact with children at high risk for severe RSV disease. If this is not possible, carefully follow the prevention steps listed above and wash your hands before interacting with high-risk children.

Symptoms and Care

Symptoms

People infected with RSV usually show symptoms within 4 to 6 days after getting infected. Symptoms of RSV infection usually include runny nose, decrease in appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever, and/or wheezing. These symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once.

Care

Most RSV infections go away on their own in a week or two. You can take steps to relieve symptoms, such as managing fever and pain and drinking enough fluids.  

For information about RSV


Influenza (Flu)

Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. Some people, such as people 65 years and older, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at higher risk of serious flu complications.  There are two main types of influenza (flu) viruses: types A and B. The influenza A and B viruses that routinely spread in people (human influenza viruses) are responsible for seasonal flu epidemics each year.

The best way to reduce the risk of flu and its potentially serious complications is by getting vaccinated each year.  Call 309-344-2224 to schedule an appointment.

Knox County Health Department offers flu vaccines. Medicaid and All Kids Insurance is accepted for flu vaccines, call for specific prices.

For information about Flu
IDPH Flu Surveillance Report 

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause mild to severe illness in people of all ages.  Vaccines can prevent some types of Pneumonia.  You can also help prevent Pneumonia and other respiratory infections by following good hygiene practices

Call 309-344-2224 to schedule an appointment.

Knox County Health Department offers Pneumonia vaccines. Medicaid and All Kids Insurance is accepted for flu vaccines, call for specific prices.