Representing the physicians of Yakima County, Washington
RSV Preventive Measures
In response to rising RSV numbers, the WSMA recommends these preventive measures:
- Everyone 6 months and older who is able should be vaccinated for influenza and COVID-19. People ages 5 years and older who had their last COVID-19 shot at least two months ago can get the updated booster. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be safely given at the same time.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, and be careful not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth. RSV is highly transmittable through touching infected surfaces. Disinfect high-touch surfaces in your home frequently. Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing, preferably with a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
- Please wear a mask in crowded indoor settings to protect children and vulnerable adults from these respiratory infections. Kids and adults with mild symptoms like occasional cough and nasal congestion should first test for COVID-19. If they are COVID-19 negative, they should wear a mask in public places until their symptoms resolve. Remember that masking is still required in all health care settings.
- If your child is showing moderate symptoms of illness, such as fever, cough, difficulty breathing, congestion, runny nose, or sore throat, do not send them to school or group activities. Have them stay home and treat the symptoms as needed. If you have questions or concerns, call your family physician or pediatrician for advice or to make an appointment. Adults experiencing symptoms should also stay home and contact their physician for advice.
- If you think you or your child may need medical attention, contact your family physician or pediatrician first before going to the emergency department. Your primary care office can advise whether your child should be seen and which health care setting would best be able to care for the sick child. If you are unable to reach your primary care office, consider going to an urgent care center or check if telehealth is an option. A nurse triage line through your primary care clinic or insurance provider can help you determine the most appropriate setting for care.
See the full statement here
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WSMA President
We’re so glad to celebrate our board trustee and immediate past president!
A Year of Celebration
YCMS kicked off celebrations of 120 years of advocating for physicians in Yakima County at our annual meeting! We heard from Dr. Mika Sinanan, MD, PhD, President of WSMA, as he shared ways that WSMA is advocating for clinicians throughout the state. We celebrated Dr. Katina Rue’s time as Board President as her term ended and Dr. Anita Showalter became our acting president. Finally we honored several of our board members who have faithfully served through the years including Dr. Alan Greenwald, Dr. Kay Funk, and OMS4 Haley Heitzman!
Our year of celebration will continue with our next social event this Summer. Stay tuned!
Latinx Advisory Council
Our immediate past president and the WSMA DEI committee co-chair, Dr. Katina Rue, recently discussed benefits that the WSMA’s Latinx Advisory council has to offer.
Read more here!
What happens when the doctor can't see you now?
From Washington State Medical Association:
We’ve stood strong against the COVID-19 pandemic since its onset nearly two years ago, but we can’t run this marathon indefinitely. We are exhausted and our spirits are flagging as we continue to see preventable illness and death from this disease.
We’re dedicated to providing care to you—our patients—when and where you need it, but with a health system at or over capacity, that gets harder every day.
What does a crowded system mean to you? Imagine this: You have a suspicious lump in your breast, but you can’t get an appointment to be seen. Your child breaks her arm, but the local emergency room is too crowded to treat her. A friend needs a heart procedure, but their surgery is canceled because the hospital has no beds for post-op patients.
These aren’t imaginary scenarios—they are happening right now in Washington state. Real people are facing real delays in care due to Washington state’s overtaxed health system. But no matter, life still happens. Heart attacks, car accidents, and strokes still happen. Those traumas can’t wait for care.
While the capacity issues our hospitals and emergency departments are facing are not solely due to the COVID-19 virus, you can help. If you’re able and your health permits, get vaccinated against COVID-19. If you’re eligible for a booster, get it today. Encourage your family and friends to do the same. And until we get out of this pandemic, mask up.
By taking these steps, the greater our chances of keeping health care available to everyone.