Governor Hochul Launches Public Awareness Campaign to Protect New Yorkers Against Respiratory Illnesses

Governor Kathy Hochul immediately launched a brand new public consciousness marketing campaign about respiratory virus infections spreading this fall and steps New Yorkers can take to shield themselves, their households and their communities. Produced by the New York State Department of Health, the three video clips will seem on-line on a number of social media platforms and can characteristic New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett talking straight to New Yorkers about three viruses—Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), influenza, and COVID-19—now circulating within the state with related signs and the potential to trigger critical sickness.

“Our fight against respiratory disease starts with protecting New Yorkers from infection, and we’re taking action to raise awareness about these viruses and keep vulnerable New Yorkers safe and healthy.” Governor Hochul stated. “This awareness campaign is part of our multiple, aggressive efforts to stop the spread of infectious diseases and do everything we can to protect the health of New Yorkers.”

New York State Commissioner of the Department of Health Dr. Mary T. Bassett stated, “These videos deliver an important message to all New Yorkers about the respiratory viruses that are spreading this season and the steps people can take to protect themselves and their loved ones. This new public awareness campaign reinforces other efforts by Department of Health for public awareness by offering New Yorkers some practical ways to avoid contracting and spreading the RSV, flu, and COVID-19 viruses this fall and winter, including reminding parents to get flu and COVID vaccines -19 for themselves and their children 6 months and older.”

The Department of Health produced three movies to share on social media: A quick clip and a longer model addressed to dad and mom; and a specifically focused model well being care suppliers.

Wnow the RSV is a standard one virus each fall and winter, might be harmful for very younger youngsters, notably these born prematurely or lower than one 12 months previous, in addition to for older adults AND folks with sure medical circumstances akin to power lung or coronary heart illness or a weakened immune system. The greatest safety in opposition to respiratory viruses is getting seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines, staying up-to-date on COVID-19 boosters, working towards social distancing, carrying masks in crowded environments, and working towards correct hygiene , together with frequent hand washing.

The Department of Health continues to monitor regional hospital capability and have interaction hospital and well being care programs which will see higher-than-normal affected person volumes of their emergency departments and hospital models. The company is urging anybody who’s sick or exhibiting signs of a respiratory virus to first seek the advice of with a main care supplier.

The full script of the parental message of Dr. Bassett:

This fall, we face a triple menace from respiratory infections like RSV, influenza, and COVID-19.

RSV just isn’t a brand new virus, however it may be harmful for very younger youngsters.

There are issues we will do, washing our palms and educating youngsters to cough or sneeze right into a tissue or elbow.

Make positive you and your youngsters keep dwelling if you find yourself sick.

Parents and caregivers, please see your pediatrician—or different supplier—earlier than taking your baby to the emergency room.

Get your annual flu shot and keep up-to-date with COVID vaccines – together with the up to date bivalent booster, these will shield in opposition to critical sickness and hospitalisation.

Remember to masks indoors – particularly in case you reside with little ones, or older adults, or different folks with power underlying sicknesses.

Stay secure, thanks.

The script of the message of Dr. Bassett for healthcare suppliers:

The climate is getting cooler and predictably, viral respiratory infections are on the rise with RSV, influenza and COVID-19 on the rise.

Parents and caregivers are anxious, and as a healthcare supplier, you may assist. It’s all the time price emphasizing the tried and true: Hand washing, floor disinfection and air flow.

Children ought to study to cowl their coughs and sneezes utilizing a handkerchief or sleeve. Encourage dad and mom to maintain sick youngsters at dwelling. Hydrate and handle signs.

Masking indoors and social distancing could also be necessary for these dwelling with people at greater danger: infants, the aged, folks born prematurely or with underlying well being circumstances.

Above all, please encourage vaccinations.

Annual flu pictures and COVID-19 vaccines, together with the up to date Bivalent booster, stay our greatest protection in opposition to critical sickness.

Thank you in your assist and all you do to take care of New Yorkers.

Earlier this fall, the Department of Health issued a a Health Advisory Notice about respiratory illnesses for hospitals, native well being departments, laboratories, emergency rooms, and household medication, main care, pediatrics, adolescent medication, infectious illness, neurology, and an infection management suppliers. Although not particular to any virus, the announcement highlighted the rise in hospitalizations from these kinds of sicknesses and supplies federal assets.

Of the company annual public training marketing campaign can be underway, reminding adults and fogeys to get flu and COVID-19 vaccines for themselves and youngsters 6 months and older. In addition to getting the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, there are some sensible methods to keep away from contracting and spreading the RSV, flu, and COVID-19 viruses this fall and winter:

• Wash your palms ceaselessly with cleaning soap and scorching water for at the very least 20 seconds to shield your self from germs and keep away from spreading them to others.
• Keep an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at the very least 60 p.c alcohol to use when cleaning soap and water should not obtainable.
• Do not cough or sneeze into your palms. Instead, cowl your mouth and nostril with a handkerchief.
• Stay dwelling in case you are sick.
• Wear a masks that covers your nostril and mouth in case you are symptomatic.

Resources are additionally obtainable to assist New Yorkers make knowledgeable selections about these viruses:

• Information about RSV.
• Information about flutogether with reality sheets and different downloadable supplies.
• of The web site for COVID-19 there are assets for the general public, colleges, grownup care services, and medical laboratories.
• Information about vaccine efficacy.