'The viruses are returning to normal' in Washington for winter 2024 The winter season in the Northwest brings rain, dark skies, and the sniffles. For winter 2024, health officials expect that a lot more sniffles are coming, with three viruses circulating through the region. Dyer Oxley
The viruses are back If you are starting 2024 with sniffles, a cough, or even a fever, you’re not alone. The festive holiday weeks have left many of us with a respiratory bug. Covid, the flu and RSV are all in play this time of year… along with the common cold… and anecdotally, they’re out in numbers. It’s a good time to talk with UW Medicine Professor Dr. Helen Chu.. she’s here to tell us what we should know about the trio of winter illnesses circulating right now, and what we can do to stay healthy. Vaughan Jones Play AudioListen 10 mins
Vaccines are out, but be patient It’s time to roll up your sleeve again. The updated covid shot was approved a few weeks ago. But finding a place to get the vaccine is tough right now. We’ll talk to Libby Page from Seattle and King County Public Health to learn about how the rollout is going. Patricia Murphy Play AudioListen 13 mins
What will virus season look like in Washington state this year? Washington state is once again heading into respiratory virus season. Last year, the triple threat of Covid-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) put a strain on an already fragile health-care system. This year however, health officials say the state is in a different place. Kate Walters
CDC advisers back broad rollout out of new COVID boosters A panel of doctors and scientists advising the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention voted to recommend that people 6 months of age and older get new COVID boosters this fall. Scott Hensley
In Seattle, going to school means getting vaxxed It’s the first day for students at Seattle Public Schools and their vaccinations should be up-to-date. That’s because in 2019 the state passed legislation mandating certain vaccines in order to enroll in public school. But recently there’s been a small drop in vaccination rates. Seattle Times reporter Elise Takahama is here to go over the latest numbers and what’s being done to get more kids vaccinated. Patricia Murphy Play AudioListen 13 mins
More Washington kids get the measles vaccine, thanks to a rule change More school kids in Washington state have been getting vaccinated against measles. That’s because, after measles outbreaks in 2019 — including a major one in the Portland/Vancouver area — legislators tightened who could opt out of the shots. Eilís O'Neill Play AudioListen 2 mins
Coronavirus FAQ: Is it wiser to get a booster now or wait for the new fall booster? Maybe it's not a summer surge but COVID numbers are definitely ticking up. For those with concerns due to personal risk factors or the start of the school year, the booster question is top of mind. Fran Kritz
Covid cases are going up. Here's what you should know. Covid cases are ticking up across the country. UW Medicine professor Dr. Helen Chu says this surge isn’t like the Delta or Omicron surges of years past, but it's still something to watch. She explains the state of the disease here in Washington and how we should be thinking about our Covid risk. Clare McGrane Play AudioListen 12 mins
Are masks for the birds? We field reader queries about this new stage of the pandemic The official emergency is over but COVID is still here. And that means ... lots of questions. We asked our readers what's on their mind and then called on experts for advice. Marc Silver
