Preventing respiratory illnesses
Respiratory season is upon us – a time when 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.
Getting vaccinated provides the best protection against illness and severe infections, including hospitalization and death. An annual influenza vaccine and the updated COVID-19 vaccine are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. A vaccine that protects against RSV is also available for older adults and pregnant people, 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.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle – such as eating well, being physically active, and getting enough sleep – can also help to strengthen immunity.
Visit the respiratory illnesses data webpage for the latest information about COVID-19, influenza and RSV activity in Clark County.
Properly dispose of leaves locally
As the leaves change colors and start to fall, help keep them out of the streets and landfills by disposing of leaves locally to create compost!
Properly dispose of leaves by placing them in curbside yard debris or organics cart or adding them to backyard compost. Fallen leaves can also be left on lawns, where they will create a natural mulch to suppress weeds.
Clark County residents can also 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.
Composter Recycler 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.
Compost Halloween pumpkins
Say “Boo” to landfills and compost your Halloween pumpkins! Choosing to compost will help build healthy soil and contribute to creating a more sustainable community.
If you have yard debris or organics service with Waste Connections, you can place carved or uncarved pumpkins into your yard debris or organics cart for composting.
All Clark County residents can have their pumpkin composted for free by dropping it off at a We Compost Community Hub location.
Public Health news
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