Flu, RSV and COVID on the rise

December 18, 2023.Reading time 10 minutes.

We’ve seen an increasing number of visits to local emergency rooms for cases of influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19 in King County. Now’s the time to take easy steps to help prevent you and your family from getting sick.

Preparing for respiratory virus season: Tips to prevent serious illness from COVID-19, RSV and flu

October 6, 2023.Reading time 9 minutes.

Young girl with thermometer in her mouth. Young girl covering her cough. Adult man blowing his nose.

Last fall we saw many respiratory virus infections and hospitalizations, including SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza virus (flu). This fall, we want to look at what to expect when it comes to respiratory viruses and some prevention steps you can take. 

Ask Miss Rona: Updated COVID-19 Vaccines

October 5, 2023.Reading time 7 minutes.

Ask Miss Rona is a Q&A series started on Public Health’s Instagram to respond to community questions related to COVID-19. Questions from the public and are answered by experts at Public Health. Check out our Instagram at @kcpubhealth for more questions answered by Miss Rona.

Regional healthcare organizations adopt guidelines for masking as respiratory virus season approaches

September 26, 2023.Reading time 4 minutes.

Public Health – Seattle & King County supports the data-informed decision by healthcare organizations to require masking in their facilities when thresholds for increased respiratory illness activity are reached. Read more below.

What we know about the new COVID-19 vaccine: Q&A with Dr. Eric Chow

September 13, 2023.Reading time 8 minutes.

Three adults show their vaccination band aids: An older Black man with a white beard, a young woman with long brown hair and tan skin, and an older White woman with short brown and gray hair.

This week, the CDC recommended that everyone 6 months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine. Dr. Eric Chow, our communicable disease expert, explains where you can get it, how cost will be covered, and why it’s important to get the new vaccine, even if you’ve already had COVID or been vaccinated.

An update on COVID-19: Q&A with Dr. Eric Chow, Chief of Communicable Disease Epidemiology

August 23, 2023.Reading time 10 minutes.

A collage of images showing a young man doing a COVID self-test, a vaccinated woman, and a woman holding a HEPA air filter.

You may have heard reports recently of increases in cases of COVID-19 in many parts of the U.S. We talked with Public Health’s Chief of Communicable Disease Epidemiology, Dr. Eric Chow, about what’s happening with COVID-19 in King County right now.