How to stay out of the hospital with Omicron here

December 22, 2021.Reading time 7 minutes.

Woman who looks ill who is wearing a mask and holding a mug as she receives pills from her husband, who sits on the edge of her bed with a mask and gloves.

ERs and ICUs are nearly full. Please help keep lifesaving care available for those who need it most. Care for cough, fever, sore throat, chills, and other milder symptoms at home—whether it’s COVID-19, flu, or the common cold. Get vaccinated and boosted. Learn how to recognize when to seek medical care, and when to stay home.

NEW COMIC: Delta Days

August 17, 2021.Reading time 12 minutes.

What’s the deal with Delta?
“Delta Days” is a comic by Meredith Li-Vollmer about the variant and our collective burn-out. See full comic here or at thestranger.com.

Public Health Crafter’s Corner: 1-minute DIY Filter Fan

July 16, 2021.Reading time 6 minutes.

Woman in apron waving and holding a box fan. Text: Public Health Crafter's Corner: DIY Air Filter

Welcome to the Public Health Crafter’s Corner: Wildfire Smoke Edition! Learn how to make an air filter with a box fan, air filter, and bungee cord. These DIY filter fans can quickly clean the air in your home or work space!

How we can protect the whole community as the mask directive ends

June 30, 2021.Reading time 11 minutes.

A woman working at a cash register is wearing a mask. She places clothing in a bag as a female customer stands waiting.

The mask directive has been lifted now that over 70% of King County residents are fully vaccinated. But not everyone has been able to get vaccinated yet, so we need to be thoughtful towards those who still depend on others to help protect them.

Who is at risk for a heart attack in the heat?

June 22, 2021.Reading time 3 minutes.

Man at a construction site is saying, "Working outside puts me at risk."

Our comic strip shows how many health conditions and medications make people more sensitive to heat, and that makes them at increased risk for kidney failure, stroke, and heart attack. Find out if you or your loved ones are at risk and what to do when the weather gets hot.

What parents should know about vaccination for 12-15 year olds

May 13, 2021.Reading time 7 minutes.

Youth age 12-15 can now get COVID-19 vaccination. Our immunizations manager answers questions, including about what teens can do after vaccination, testing of the vaccine, and how this age group can get vaccinated in King County.