North Dakota Health Professionals Prepping For Winter Season

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Local health professionals came together to discuss preparations and recommendations on respiratory illnesses that impact people the most through the fall and winter period.

“For North Dakota to become the healthiest state in the nation, it’s very important for all North Dakotan’s to be engaged. And making decisions that safeguard their health and improve their wellbeing. ”

The North Dakota State Health Officer also pointed out that it is important for people to stay up to date with vaccines they need and their medical needs with their primary care doctor. Among the respiratory viruses that affect people the most during the colder months are Influenza, RSV, and Covid-19.

“Some of these linger in the air for a long time, so you can acquire these viruses anywhere. From a family member, a place at work, at a concert, at a grocery store, wherever or whenever you are indoors. So this is why we see more viruses circulating during winter time.”

To date in North Dakota there were 12,343 influenza cases reported in the state for the 2023-2024 season. And just for 2023, there were 188 Covid-19 related deaths.

“We’re really thinking about ways to provide additional protection. To provide a shield, an armor, an early morning system to people’s bodies to help them hopefully not…experience the morbidity or mortality that can be associated with these conditions.”

North Dakota State Health officials will be releasing two new tools for members of the community to use. One will be a vaccine locator to find a location for specific vaccines you need as well as the health care providers. They will also launch a respiratory disease dashboard, to keep you up to date on the viruses from the nation, state, and county. These both will come out in the next few weeks.

Health officials recommend checking with your health care provider to stay up to date with vaccines.