Last fall and winter, you may recall that it seemed like everyone got sick. And not just a little sick—many of us experienced or witnessed our family, co-workers, and friends flattened by illnesses such as the flu, COVID-19, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) which all spread at the same time.  Fortunately, this year, we have vaccines for all three of those major illnesses. We also have the tried-and-true precautions which still work to prevent getting sick.

5 ways to avoid getting sick and spreading illness during cold and flu season:

1. Get vaccinated. Stay up to date with flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccinations.
2. Wear a mask in crowded spaces. Put on a mask when you’re elbow-to-elbow with others.
3. Wash your hands often. Use hand sanitizer if you can’t wash.
4. Keep good air flow indoors. Open windows and use fans when a number of people are in a room.
5. Stay home when you’re sick. Please follow your agency’s sick leave request and approval protocols and stay home. We value your work here, but it won’t help anyone if you spread your illness to your co-workers.

Stay home if you’re sick. Test if you can.

• COVID-19 and the flu virus will both likely be spreading this fall and winter. Anyone who has symptoms of the flu or COVID-19 should avoid contact with others and, if you can, test for COVID-19 immediately. If you have COVID-19, treatment is available from healthcare providers, but you need to start taking the medications right away. You can get 4 free tests by mail from CovidTests.gov
• If you have the flu, it’s important to stay home until at least 24 hours after your fever is gone. If you have symptoms of COVID or test positive, please refer to page 2 of the Temporary COVID-19 Personnel Policy for King County’s policy regarding which employees must be out of the workplace and for how long when sick with COVID symptoms.

Updated vaccines for 2023-2024

This year, there are more ways than ever to protect your health. Vaccinations are the most effective tools to safeguard against severe illness, and for the first time, vaccines are available for the three major illnesses:

1. A flu shot offers protection for everyone 6 months and older. The county makes it free for employees and anyone covered by your benefits to get a flu shot at one of our onsite clinics, or at your doctor’s office or local pharmacy. Get it at a worksite clinicor from your health care provider or local pharmacy.
2. An updated COVID-19 vaccine protects against the newer variants that are spreading now. This vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Check Vaccines.gov for appointments and kingcounty.gov/vaccine for more information.
3. Adults age 60 and older and anyone who is pregnant should talk to their doctor or pharmacist to find out if they need an RSV vaccine.

If you have questions about sick leave, please talk to your supervisor or HR Manager (employee access only). Thank you for helping to stop spread illness. Stay healthy!