OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – With fall comes respiratory illness season, and Winnebago County’s Public Health Department is encouraging people to take precautions to keep themselves and their families safe.
Although respiratory viruses circulate year-round, they tend to be most prevalent during the fall and winter months, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
“Now is the start of our peak respiratory illness season,” said Doug Gieryn, Winnebago County Public Health director/health officer, in a news release. “Staying up to date on your vaccinations and keeping away from others when you’re sick can help minimize the risk of severe illness for you and your family and friends.”
Vaccines which combat three of the most common respiratory illnesses — flu, RSV and COVID-19 — are currently available in Winnebago County.
Its public health department says these vaccines are available at no cost under most insurance plans, and the updated COVID-19 vaccination is free to individuals who are uninsured or whose insurance does not cover it.
Contacting your healthcare provider to get tested for flu, RSV or COVID-19 is key.
Local and federal resources can be found below.
To locate a free COVID-19 vaccine, visit vaccines.gov or contact your pharmacy/healthcare provider.
To order free at-home COVID-19 test kits, visit covid.gov/tests.
To check the expiration dates of at-home COVID-19 test kits, visit wchd.pub/testkitexpiration.
If you have COVID-19, visit wchd.pub/covid19positive for the latest guidance.
If you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine or need help finding a place to get vaccinated, visit winnebagopublichealth.org or call 920-232-3000.
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