Scott Eisen/CVS Health via AP Images)

The Fresno County Department of Public Health (FCDPH) announced Tuesday that it has observed an increase in individuals reporting respiratory illnesses in local emergency rooms, potentially linked to various circulating viruses including COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

The two viruses, along with seasonal influenza (flu), while common during the holiday season, can potentially strain local hospital and emergency department capacities, affecting resources for all Valley residents.

The FCDPH urges residents to take several steps to protect themselves, including testing for COVID-19 and the flu should symptoms arise. The department also encourages residents to remain at home if sick, as well as wear a mask in crowded spaces, wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and cover sneezes and coughs.

The department also recommends vaccinations for COVID-19, the flu for all residents, and specifies that individuals 60 and over should receive a vaccine for RSV.

Pregnant individuals between 32 and 36 weeks should also consider RSV vaccination between September and January, with additional RSV immunization options that are available for infants under 8 months of age and high-risk children between 8 and 19 months of age.

COVID-19, flu and RSV vaccines can be administered during the same visit and can be scheduled online. COVID-19 and flu vaccines continue to be no-cost for many people through health insurance plans, including Medi-Cal.

The FCDPH also urges residents to utilize emergency rooms, urgent care centers and primary health care providers properly; improper or unnecessary emergency room visits carry the potential of straining local hospital capacities. Additional information on urgent care locations in Fresno County can be found here.