An increase in severe respiratory infections this season is putting pressure on Oregon's already-strained hospitals as the holidays approach. But health officials say people can take simple steps to avoid exposure – and the need for an emergency department visit – as they gather for celebrations. "We want people to remember the holidays as a festive time of family, friends, food and fun events, not because of a severe case of RSV or other respiratory virus," said Dana Hargunani, M.D., M.P.H., a pediatrician and Oregon Health Authority's chief medical officer. "Common-sense vigilance this season can help keep you and your loved ones safe and out of the hospital." Beau Gilmore, M.D., pediatrician and chief informaticist at Mosaic Medical in central Oregon, shares his thoughts on staying safe during the holidays in a video on OHA's YouTube channel. Gilmore also offers advice for parents and caregivers on how to know when to go to the hospital. Accor
Oregon
United-states
Dana-hargunani
Youtube
Oregon-health-authority
Mosaic-medical
Data-report
Care-setting
Outbreak-report
Oregon-hospital-capacity-web-system