Reducing Your Risk of Infections

To help protect you and your loved ones from common infections, like Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), influenza (flu) and COVID-19, make sure you are up to date on your vaccinations.

With the recent outbreak of measles this year, be sure your child is current on their immunizations. Measles is a viral infection that results in a runny nose, fever, and red eyes, followed by a rash that begins on the face and spreads down to the trunk and extremities. The vaccine is very effective at preventing disease: one dose is 93% effective, and a 2-dose vaccine (at 1 year and 4 years of age) is 97% effective.

RSV is a highly contagious virus that can lead to hospitalization or, in some cases, life-threatening complications — especially for infants and young children, seniors over the age of 65, and those living with chronic illnesses. Visit our RSV article to learn more about how to protect yourself and others.

​​​​Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency that happens when your body overreacts to an infection. Instead of fighting the infection, the body’s response can damage organs and become deadly. Sepsis often develops from a common infection such as pneumonia, a UTI or skin infection. Recognizing sepsis early is crucial! Use this helpful acronym from the Sepsis Alliance to remember the key symptoms: TIME - Temperature change, Infection or signs of infection, Mental decline (confusion, sleepiness) & Extreme illness (severe pain, trouble breathing). If you notice these signs in yourself or someone else, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department and say, “I’m concerned about sepsis.” Learn more at sepsis.org.