Local health officers and health care leaders recommend wearing masks indoors

December 9, 2022.Reading time 7 minutes.

Public Health – Seattle & King Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin joins other local health officers and health care leaders in recommending masking in indoor public spaces and other prevention measures given the high level of respiratory viruses circulating and stress on hospitals.

Why people over age 50 should get an updated COVID-19 booster before the holidays

December 5, 2022.Reading time 4 minutes.

As we get ready for our third winter holiday season with COVID-19, we’re tired of hearing about the pandemic. We would much rather focus on the truly important things in our lives—gathering with loved ones, taking time to relax and recharge, and thinking about all the things we want to make happen in the new year.

But getting sick can put a stop to those plans, and gathering indoors during the cold winter months helps COVID-19—along with RSV and flu—to spread more easily. COVID-19 continues to spread and evolve across King County and in the world around us. And if you or a loved one is over age 50, the chance of having severe disease and needing to visit the hospital is much higher.

Snow and slippery roads ahead: Plan if you have medical needs

November 28, 2022.Reading time 4 minutes.

Even small amounts of snow can wreak havoc on our ability to get around and that can have implications for your health, especially if you have medical conditions that require regular healthcare services and supplies.

New Public Health recommendations make a syphilis test routine for women 45 and under

November 28, 2022.Reading time 8 minutes.

Small, clear test tube marked "Syphilis - Test"

There has been a nearly 5-fold increase in syphilis in cisgender women since 2015 (cisgender means one’s gender identity corresponds to one’s sex assigned at birth). All sexually active women 45 and under in Washington state who have not had a syphilis test since January 2021 are being advised to test for syphilis.

Public Health reports first pediatric flu death of the 2022-2023 flu season

November 23, 2022.Reading time 8 minutes.

Public Health is reporting the first pediatric flu death of this flu season. It’s an important time to get the seasonal flu vaccine and updated COVID-19 booster and help prevent further spread of illness by staying home when sick.