As winter descends upon Denver, the city's public health officials are sounding the alarm on the increased risk of respiratory viruses, including flu, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), and COVID-19. To keep Denverites healthy during the colder months, the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) has published a set of guidelines aimed at helping residents navigate the season's gatherings with safety in mind.
The DDPHE's recent blog post underlines the importance of staying current with vaccinations, which have been shown to significantly reduce the likelihood of severe illness. DDPHE reported that vaccines for flu, COVID-19, and RSV are "readily available in Denver, including vaccines for flu, COVID-19, and RSV" for those 6 months of age and older. Furthermore, the city offers a range of options for both free and low-cost vaccines. For those without insurance, local health centers or state health departments may provide eligible individuals with free vaccines, while children under the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program can receive shots from enrolled providers.
In addition to vaccine advocacy, the public health department is also advising people to stay home if they're feeling under the weather. To accurately diagnose and treat illnesses, Denver residents are encouraged to make use of the free at-home COVID-19 tests available from the federal government, as well as seeking testing from healthcare providers. The DDPHE highlights the inefficacy of antibiotics against viruses, instead directing individuals to consult with healthcare providers on appropriate steps to quickly recover from their illness.
Denver residents who fall into high-risk categories, including infants, young children, adults over 60, and pregnant women, are particularly encouraged to consider immunizations against RSV. "Immunizations for RSV can help protect people at increased risk of severe illness, including infants, very young children, and adults older than the age of 60," according to the DDPHE. They stress the potential for RSV vaccination during pregnancy to offer newborns protection during their most vulnerable early months.
