|
November 10, 2022
SPANISH / PORTUGUESE
Rhode Island COVID-19 Partner Update
Simple Steps Can Help Prevent RSV, Flu, and COVID-19
With Rhode Island and states throughout the region currently seeing the circulation of several respiratory viruses, including RSV, flu, and COVID-19, all Rhode Islanders are reminded to take basic prevention measures to help themselves and their family members stay healthy and safe.
All Rhode Islanders should:
- Get your flu shot. Everyone older than six months of age should be vaccinated every year. For information on where to get a flu shot, see health.ri.gov/flu.
- Be up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations. For many people, that means getting a booster. For information on how to get vaccinated against COVID-19, see C19vaccineRI.org.
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work, and school.
- Stay home if you are sick.
 Keep children home from daycare or school who have fever, especially with a cough, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, congestion, runny nose, or sore throat, until they are fever-free for 24 hours without medications that reduce fever.- Contact your pediatrician or healthcare provider if you believe your child needs medical care. Your provider can offer advice on whether your child needs to be evaluated in person, tested for COVID or flu, and the best location (doctor’s office, urgent care, emergency room) for care.
RSV usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in one to two weeks. However, some infants and young children are at higher risk, such as premature infants, children younger than two years old with chronic lung disease or congenital (present from birth) heart disease, children with weakened immune systems, and children who have neuromuscular disorders. Additionally, some adults are at higher risk, including people older than 65, adults with chronic heart or lung disease, and adults with weakened immune systems. Read the full press release here.
Check out our Respiratory Viruses: Community Partner Toolkit (ri.gov) for more information.
Get the Right Care in the Right Place
In addition to taking steps to prevent RSV, COVID-19, and flu, Rhode Islanders should know about the right places to seek care. Hospital emergency departments in Rhode Island are currently very crowded. Children and adults in emergency departments with less serious health issues are experiencing long wait times. People who do not need emergency medical care should not go to the emergency department. Long waits in the emergency department are frustrating, and they expose people to new sicknesses.
 Many health issues can be treated more quickly and effectively by a primary care provider, in an urgent care facility, or in a health center. The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) has lists of primary care providers, urgent care centers, and health centers posted at health.ri.gov/rightplace [r20.rs6.net].
Some health issues need emergency medical care (either by calling 911 or going to the emergency department). Examples include trouble breathing; persistent chest pain; new difficulty speaking or confusion; inability to wake or stay awake; heavy bleeding; deep wounds; serious burns; possible broken bones (especially if the bone is pushing through the skin); and severe allergic reactions. This is not a complete list of health issues that require emergency medical care. For more information, see health.ri.gov/rightplace [r20.rs6.net].
Monkeypox Vaccine Update
Appointments are available for monkeypox (MPV) vaccine clinics happening this month in Providence. Book your appointment for a free vaccination (no insurance needed) if you are eligible:
For more information on MPV and vaccine eligibility and additional vaccination clinics, please see https://health.ri.gov/monkeypox.
Substance Use and Overdose Prevention Update
Substance use can affect anyone – and it can impact a person’s family members and friends. If someone you care about is using drugs, you can do some things to help. Get connected to these local resources:
- The University of Rhode Island Community First Responder Program (CFRP) provides free, online naloxone training on Prevent Overdose RI (English, Spanish). Take the training and request a free naloxone nasal spray kit delivered to your home at no cost.
- Learn more and request a seminar today.The CFRP also offers free naloxone trainings for organizations, schools, and businesses.
Governor’s Task Force Newsletter for October
The Governor’s Overdose Prevention and Intervention Task Force Newsletter for October includes meeting highlights, the latest report on alcohol-related overdose deaths, information from CDC on para-fluorafentanyl, a reminder about Prescription Drug Take Back Day, an invitation to a CODE workshop for municipal leaders, and other news. Read the newsletter and please share across your networks. https://bit.ly/3erGnkU
|
