Healthy Habits to Help Prevent Illness

Healthcare professionals remind us there’s steps you can take to limit the spread of respiratory viruses like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), flu, and COVID-19.

St. Luke’s Health System is currently reporting an increase in hospitalizations and emergency department visits from a spike in RSV cases, especially among children, along with other illnesses. St. Luke’s team is working hard to meet the health care needs of the community during this spike in illness and encourages everyone to do what they can to stay healthy.

Though it can be tough to tell the common cold apart from COVID, flu or RSV without testing, there are many other tools to help stop all viruses from spreading: 

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze (and then put the tissue in the trash right away); teach children to do this.
• It’s OK to wear a mask: According to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, wearing a mask in public can help prevent COVID, flu and other viruses from spreading. 
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 
• Stay home when sick and stay away from people who are sick. Follow Boise School District’s Illness Procedure. 
• Make sure you’re up to date on all eligible vaccines. 
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.