Published
4 days agoon
Fresno County health officials are asking people to take extra precautions against COVID-19 and the flu.
That’s because the county Department of Public Health has seen an uptick in cases of respiratory illnesses and COVID.
“Fortunately, much is known about both these diseases and there are now treatments available,” said Dr. Rais Vohra, interim health officer for the FCDPH, in a news release. “So we have the opportunity to keep many people safe and out of the hospitals with a few simple steps.”
Health officials noted that all ages are being affected and this increase in cases could lead to missed school, work, and social activities.
Vohra urges everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19.
“This is especially important for those at higher risk of more serious outcomes, such as people over 65 years old, young children, pregnant women, and those with certain medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity,” health officials said.
Officials also said that treatments for COVID-19 and influenza are available by prescription from many clinics and providers.
Moreover, high-risk individuals are encouraged to work with their primary doctor or get evaluated at an emergency room or urgent care to see if they qualify for any of these treatments.
Test to Treat sites can also be used, as these offer testing for COVID-19 and treatments, if appropriate.
For information about testing and treatment, click here.
For information on local flu activity and weekly updates, please visit the FCDPH website.
For information on local COVID-19 vaccine sites and testing locations, click here.
Liz Juarez joined GV Wire in July, 2021 as a Digital News Producer. She has experience working for publications around the Central Valley including the Clovis Roundup, Porterville Recorder and Hanford Sentinel. While in college, she interned for Mountain West Athletics and served as Outreach Chair for the Fresno State Radio and Television Digital News Association (RTDNA). Liz earned a bachelor's degree in Media Communications and Journalism at Fresno State and a master's degree in Communications from Arizona State University. In her down time, she enjoys reading, drawing and staying active by playing basketball, taking trips to the coast and visiting national parks. You can contact Liz at liz.juarez@gvwire.com
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