A message from our Epidemiologist

KEEP YOUR GUARD UP

As summer gives way to fall, it also brings the height of mosquito season and an increase in respiratory illnesses. COVID-19 infections are picking up, seasonal cases of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) will soon be emerging, and the risk of West Nile Virus and EEE from mosquitoes and continuing risk of tick-borne illnesses comes with our taking advantage of the waning warm days. But keeping your guard up does not mean run and hide or shelter in place. It only requires some commonsense measures to protect yourself and your family and enjoy life, inside and out.

COVID

As we’ve seen in previous years, the number of cases of COVID is picking up as September approaches and schools reopen. Vaccination is the best protection against severe symptoms of the virus but whether or not you choose to get a shot, we all can take some simple precautions, such as making sure you have at-home test kits that are up-to-date; be cautious in large gatherings, especially indoors; test yourself or your children at the first sign of symptoms; if you test positive or come in contact with someone who has tested positive, stay home until you’re sure you are negative and, if you must go out, please wear a mask.  Limited Covid-19 test kits are available at Town Hall.  

RSV

RSV is a fairly common respiratory infection that is similar to a common cold and produces mild symptoms in most adults and older, healthy children. But it can cause severe complications for infants under 12 months and older adults, people who are immunocompromised, or those with conditions that place them at-risk. For those folks, now is the time to get a RSV vaccine in order for it to be most effective when the spread begins. For infants, see your doctor about monoclonal antibodies injection in the child’s first RSV season.

ARBOVIRUS

You can minimize the potential for mosquito and tick bites in a number of ways. If you’re walking, biking, or running in grassy or wetlands areas, make sure you’ve applied deet-based or picaridin-based repellents or, if you prefer natural, oil of lemon eucalyptus; wear long pants and sleeves, preferably treated with permethrin; if you have any areas with standing water, such as buckets or old tires, empty the water or drop in a “mosquito dunk” to kill the larvae; check yourself, your children and your pets for ticks after going outside; if you find a tick, remove it immediately using tweezers, not your hand and not with any ointment. 

Life is for living and these are the days we live in New England for. Just keep your guard up to enjoy them.