Download our 2022 “COVID, Influenza, and RSV” Resources Sheet
where you’ll find useful information about these three potentially deadly viruses
as well as links to finding vaccinations in the Bay Area and beyond.
“How to tell if it’s RSV, the Flu, or COVID-19 based on your symptoms”
Compare symptoms for the three viruses to better determine which
you may be suffering from during the 2022 holiday season “Tripledemic”.
Information and Guidelines
As directives and orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic vary greatly by jurisdiction and information is updated frequently, we suggest looking for up-to-date news at the national, state or county levels by following the links below.
National: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
California: State of California, California Department of Public Health
Counties in Breathe California of the Bay Area, Golden Gate, and Central Coast’s territory: Alameda, Contra Costa, Del Norte, Fresno, Humboldt, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Madera, Marin, Mendocino, Merced, Monterey, Napa, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Sonoma, Tulare
New COVID Protection for the Immunocompromised!
Great news from our partner and Supporter AstraZeneca! Time Magazine has named their live-saving product EVUSHELD one of the Best Inventions of 2022. The product, given as two intramuscular injections, is the first and only long-lasting monoclonal antibody to be authorized for emergency use in the U.S. The innovative treatments will offer hope and security to the nearly 10 million immunocompromised American patients unable to receive standard COVID vaccinations because they are on chemotherapy, have blood cancers, HIV or other immune deficiencies, or have received certain organ or marrow transplants. Learn more here.
Long COVID-19 (Long Haul COVID-19)
Most people recover from COVID-19 within two weeks, but some people — even those who had mild versions of the disease — continue to have symptoms after their initial recovery. This smaller group of survivors experience long-term health issues for weeks or even months following infection. These Coronavirus Long-Haulers experience a range of symptoms: most commonly breathing problems (chest pain/cough/shortness of breath), headache, fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, and depression/anxiety.
We have compiled a list of Long COVID-19 information, online support groups, and videos detailing the science behind Long Covid and possible ways to prevent/limit its effects.
December 2022 – NEW Health and Long COVID Report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This detailed and comprehensive report treats defining Long COVID, living with the condition, possible treatments, improving quality of life, and a long list of resources.
Online Resources
In addition to videos about COVID-19 and Seniors, COPD, and breathing exercises, you can also ask a doctor about senior health issues, get a home indoor air quality and falling hazard assessment, get help quitting smoking, or learn about tuberculosis (TB) and how to prevent it.
The COVID-19 pandemic has made our regular boots-on-the-ground, face-to-face approach to delivering our services impossible. We are proud to offer our new program line-up of web conferences and presentations, instructional videos, and links to helpful information.
Links
- Smoking Nearly Doubles in Risk of Disease Progression of COVID-19
– Stanton A. Glantz, PhD, Director, Center for Tobacco Research Control & Education at UCSF - Updated numbers of confirmed cases and related deaths in California from the California Department of Public Health
- An up-to-date map of the spread COVID-19 in the United States from the CDC.
Videos
- Breathing exercises to strengthen your immune system, improve your health and relieve stress.
Downloads
- COVID-19 Factsheet – English
- Sick with COVID-19 – English, Spanish
- COVID-19: Symptoms – English, Spanish
- COVID-19: Stop the Spread of Germs – English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese
- Safer Disinfectant Use During the COVID-19 Epidemic: Fact Sheet | Infographic
About COVID-19
The World Health Organization has declared the coronavirus outbreak a global pandemic. Coronaviruses themselves are relatively common and are responsible for the common cold, but the viral strain in question, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 or, abbreviated, SARS-CoV-2, may lead to the disease COVID-19, which causes the symptoms associated with coronavirus.
Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.
The highest risk of severe illness from the coronavirus is in people 80 and older and in those who have serious chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and lung disease. Government officials are discouraging older Americans and people with underlying health conditions from cruise ship travel and long plane rides.
Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.
People at high-risk for COVID-19 should prepare for a potential outbreak by avoiding crowds as much as possible, stocking up on necessary supplies, keeping a safe distance from others and staying away from sick people.
The COVID-19 pandemic have changed the way that Breathe California’s programs provide help and support to people in our communities. Normally, we spend a lot of time face-to-face with those that our programs touch. Our Virtual Outreach page will give you online access to web conferences, presentations, instructional videos, and other helpful lung health information that you can use in the comfort of your own home.