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Health Department Offers Tips as Seasonal Uptick in Viral Infections Reported

 PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) have noted a routine seasonal increase in viral respiratory and gastrointestinal illness over the past several days, and are taking the opportunity to remind the public about healthy habits that might prevent some cases this year.

Viral illnesses need to run their course and require staying hydrated and getting plenty of rest. Antibiotics fight bacterial infections and will not cure illnesses caused by a virus, the Department of Health noted in a release posted to their website Monday.

For those sick enough to seek medical care but whose condition isn’t life-threatening or disabling, the Department of Health recommends calling your doctor or scheduling an urgent visit for care instead of going directly to the local emergency room.

“While we expect to see an increase in viral illnesses at this time of year, we know hospital emergency departments are experiencing an increase in patients with respiratory and gastrointestinal illness,” said Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH.  “It is important to protect yourself from getting sick whenever possible, by following the tips to best take care of you and your family this winter.”

To help keep yourself and your family healthy this winter:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and warm water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand gel.
  • Sneeze and cough into your elbow.
  • If you are sick, stay home from work, school, or childcare.
  • If you are a food handler, healthcare worker, or child care worker and are vomiting or have diarrhea, you must stay home until symptoms have stopped for at least 48 hours.
  • Do not share utensils, water bottles, or other personal items. Many germs that cause viral illness are spread through saliva.
  • Wipe down common items like phones, keyboards, door knobs, and railings with a disinfectant that contains bleach. You can also use a solution of 5-25 tablespoons of bleach to one gallon of water.
  • If you have not already done so, get your annual flu shot! Flu activity is increasing in Rhode Island, and a flu shot is the easiest and most effective way to help prevent the flu.
Rob Borkowski
Author: Rob Borkowski

Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at [email protected] with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.

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