Respiratory illnesses
We are heading into the season when many respiratory illnesses like influenza, RSV and COVID-19 spread throughout the community. We can all take simple steps to keep ourselves, our loved ones and our community healthy.
Get vaccinated. An annual influenza vaccine and the updated COVID-19 vaccine provide the best protection against illness and severe infections, including hospitalization and death. Search VaccineFinder.org for nearby vaccine locations. This year, older adults may also be eligible for a vaccine that protects against RSV, and infants can receive monoclonal antibodies for protection against RSV. Talk to your health care provider to learn more about these options.
We can also stop the spread of germs by washing hands often with soap and water, avoiding touching our eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, covering coughs or sneezes, staying home when sick and avoiding close contact with sick people. While viruses are circulating, consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor places, especially if you or someone you live with is at higher risk for serious illness.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle to strengthen immunity. You can better equip your body to help fight viruses by eating well, being physically active, getting enough sleep and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol use.
Visit the respiratory illnesses data webpage for the latest information about COVID-19, influenza and RSV activity in Clark County.
Free workshops
Clark County’s Composter Recycler program is offering a series of free online and in-person workshops aimed at teaching participants how to reduce their impact on the planet.
The series includes topics on backyard composting, lasagna bed composting, green cleaning, Recycling Done Right, food waste prevention, low waste living and more.
Pre-registration is required for all workshops. To register, visit the Composter Recycler webpage.
Fall Leaf Coupon
As colorful leaves begin to fall from trees, keep them out of streets and the landfill by disposing of leaves locally to create compost!
Clark County residents can dispose of leaves for free with a Fall Leaf Coupon! Drop off up to 5 cubic yards of leaves at one of four designated sites at no charge from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31.
Residents can also properly dispose of leaves by placing them in a curbside yard debris or organics cart, or in a backyard compost bin.
PFAS in drinking water
Per– and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are a large group of human-made chemicals used for decades in many products, such as water-resistant clothing, non-stick cookware, and cleaning products. When PFAS are made, used, disposed of, or spilled near water sources, like rivers, aquifers or wells, the chemicals can get into drinking water.
Scientists are still studying how PFAS affect people’s health. Some PFAS can build up in people’s bodies and, over time, may cause harmful health effects. Visit the PFAS in drinking water webpage to learn more.
Public Health news
Tuesday, Nov 21, 2023
Monday, Nov 20, 2023
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