It’s Respiratory Illness Season: Stay Prepared and Protected This Winter

As we move deeper into the respiratory illness season, experts warn that this year could rival, or even surpass, last year in severity. While proactive measures and medical advancements offer hope, low vaccination rates and the rapid rise of certain illnesses like RSV are putting vulnerable populations (e.g., older adults [ages 60+], individuals with chronic medical conditions or weakened immune systems and children under five, especially infants, at increased risk.

To help you stay safe and protect those around you, the Office of Employee Wellness and Wellbeing (OEWW) highlights essential strategies to safeguard your respiratory health this winter.

Connect with a Healthcare Provider and Stay Up to Date on Vaccinations
A healthcare provider can help you assess your risk, explore prevention strategies and make informed decisions about your care. Staying current on vaccinations is vital for protecting yourself and others. Ensure you’ve received the latest flu and COVID-19 vaccines (and RSV if applicable); these are critical steps in reducing the risk of severe illness and keeping your community safe.

• Benefitted employees can connect with a healthcare provider for personalized guidance. Additionally, check out the Commonwealth of Virginia Employee Health & Wellness Benefits Guide. It is a comprehensive guide provided by the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM) that outlines the various benefits available to you as a state of Virginia employee.
• Those with limited or no health insurance can contact your local health department for health information and updates about available flu and COVID 19 vaccination clinics.
• Use the Virginia Department of Health’s Vaccine Provider Locator to search for vaccine appointments at your local health department or nearby pharmacies.
• If looking outside of Virginia, use the Find a Health Center tool to locate a health center clinic near you.
• Virginia Health Care Foundation Medical Care (vhcf.org): There are more than 60 free and charitable clinics in Virginia and more than 200 community health centers that help Virginia’s low-income and uninsured residents get the care they need to get well and stay well.

Other Stay-Healthy Tips:

• Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently, cover your coughs and sneezes and avoid touching your face to reduce the spread of germs.
• Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly and get enough sleep to keep your immune system strong.
• Review the local Respiratory Disease Data Dashboard: Stay informed about how respiratory viruses are spreading in your community.
• Be Mindful of Indoor Air Quality: Keep your workspace and home well-ventilated, and consider using air purifiers to reduce indoor pollutants.
• Take Steps to Quit Smoking or Avoid Secondhand Smoke: Smoking is a major risk factor for lung disease. Quitting can significantly improve your respiratory. All of our employee health benefits plans offer tobacco cessation programs.
• Each plan offers a form of coaching (health, wellness, lifestyle) that can offer support in quitting tobacco use. If you have questions, please contact benefits@nvcc.edu.
  • Anthem: 844-507-8742
  • Aetna: 855-414-1901
  • Kaiser Permanente: 866-862-4295
  • Sentara: 866-513-2507 .

• TimelyCare offers Health Coaching to ALL employees! Develop healthy lifestyle behaviors, including nutrition, sleep habits, time management and mindfulness. Schedule unlimited virtual visits to develop or improve healthy lifestyle behaviors. More information on TimelyCare for Employees can be found on NOVAnet.

Have a Plan if You Get Sick

• Test Early: Symptoms of flu, COVID-19 and RSV often look similar. Testing can help you identify the illness and seek appropriate treatment. Free COVID-19 tests are available to order at CovidTests.gov.
• Stay Home When Sick: Reduce the risk of spreading illness by isolating when symptomatic.
• Seek Treatment Quickly: Antiviral treatments for flu and COVID-19, as well as new RSV treatments, are most effective when started early.

A Healthier Winter Starts With Action
We rarely think about breathing except when we have trouble doing it. Your lung health is a precious gift. During this respiratory virus season, it’s more important than ever to take proactive steps to protect yourself. By connecting with your health care provider, prioritizing vaccinations, practicing prevention and knowing what to do if you or a loved one falls ill, you can reduce the impact of respiratory illnesses this season. Let’s work together to protect ourselves and our community. If we take care of our lungs, our lungs will take care of us.

Submitted By:
Dahlia Henry-Tett, Chief Wellness Officer, employeewellbeing@nvcc.edu