With winter fast approaching, Spokane County may face an uptick in respiratory illnesses. To prepare for the season, health officials emphasize the importance of having tests on hand for COVID and the flu.
In Spokane, residents can conveniently access free testing at the Northeast Community Center, which now features kiosks offering COVID-19 and flu tests. For those unable to reach the kiosks, free tests can also be requested online at COVIDtests.gov. Each household is eligible to order four tests, with shipping included at no cost.
The Spokane Regional Health District is particularly concerned about the potential for new COVID-19 variants this winter. “With COVID, we often see mutations and variants emerging, so it wouldn’t surprise us if we encounter another wave later this season,” said Mark Springer, Communicable Disease Manager for the Spokane Regional Health District.
Families should also take a moment to check the expiration dates on any at-home tests they may have.
In addition to COVID-19, the district is currently monitoring a rise in whooping cough cases. “So far this year, we’ve reported 84 cases of pertussis,” said Springer. “While this may seem low compared to the overall county population, it’s significant when you consider that during the pandemic, we saw only a handful of cases—often in single digits.”
It’s important to note that there is currently no rapid at-home test for whooping cough. If you suspect that you or a family member may have the illness, seeking medical attention is strongly advised.
As winter sets in, health officials urge the community to stay vigilant and prepared to tackle respiratory illnesses effectively.
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