RSV – It’s more than just a cold

As the temperatures turn colder, many of us are spending more time indoors. Colds, flu and other respiratory illnesses are more common in colder months. People are inside more often, allowing viruses to pass easily from one person to another. And the cold, dry air may help them spread. In addition, holidays are coming up when many of us will gather with family, friends, co-workers and loved ones.

You may have heard about RSV infections and associated emergency department visits and hospitalizations are on the rise, especially among infants and young children, with some U.S. regions nearing seasonal peak levels earlier than average.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults. It’s the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia in children younger than age one in the United States.

Watch now as Dr. Calandra Green, Oakland County Health Officer, and Dr. Russell Faust, Oakland County Medical Director, discuss RSV and how you can protect yourself and others:

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Oakland County Celebrates National Public Health Week

Collage of photos of Oakland County Health Division staff members

Oakland County Health Division is celebrating National Public Health Week (NPHW) April 4 -10, 2022. This annual event calls attention to public health programs and services, promotes prevention, and inspires healthy living. This week is also a time to thank Oakland County‘s dedicated public health staff, especially after the past two years of providing a robust response to the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.

This year’s NPHW theme, ‘Public Health Is Where You Are,’ provides an opportunity to showcase how the public health staff works to help make communities healthier, stronger, and safer. A person’s health status can differ greatly by zip code due to things such as environmental quality, access to healthy food, education, and health care. It is the Health Division’s goal to promote and support a safe, clean, and equitable environment to make it easier for everyone to make healthier choices, so they can live a safe and healthy life.

Oakland County Health Division offers over 40 programs and services to Oakland County residents and visitors.

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Live Healthy Oakland Offers County Residents Healthcare Savings

A new benefit for Oakland County residents is now available! Live Healthy Oakland gives county residents the opportunity to take advantage of discounts on prescription, dental, and health services or procedure costs. The discount program is offered to both individuals and families, with health insurance or without. All Oakland County residents can take advantage of this new program. 

By signing up for one or more of the Live Healthy Oakland discount cards, residents can save an average of 24% on prescription medicine, and between 15 and 50% on the cost of dental and health check-ups. The prescription discount card is free, while the dental and health discount cards are available for a small annual or monthly fee.

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Spring Clean Your Medicine Cabinet

Person grabbing medication out of a medicine cabinet.

Warm weather is right around the corner and that means it’s time to Spring clean closets, cars, and garages. Don’t forget to also sweep the medicine cabinet for prescriptions that are unused, expired, or unwanted. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office provides residents with a venue to properly dispose of those prescriptions, with no questions asked, through Operation Medicine Cabinet program. Use one of the 36 drop-off locations around the county to dispose of medication in your home this spring, and year round, with some locations open 24/7.

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