By Donald Gilpin

As the season for cold weather, holidays, and respiratory illnesses advances, the Princeton Health Department will be closely monitoring the health of Princeton residents, particularly those most susceptible to serious sickness.

Deputy Administrator/Director of Health Jeff Grosser stated that his department’s “greatest concerns right now are the seasonal increase in respiratory illnesses and ensuring that the community remains prepared.”

He continued, “Of course we focus much of our efforts on our most vulnerable, our younger and older population. With respiratory infections rising, particularly flu and RSV, the focus is on vaccination efforts, public education, and maintaining health care capacity.”

In its most recent update on December 4, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that acute respiratory illness causing people to seek health care had recently increased to a moderate level for the first time this season, though the numbers of severe cases in New Jersey remain low.

Nationally, emergency department visits with diagnosed respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are moderate, low for influenza, and minimal for COVID-19. Nationally COVID-19 and influenza activity are predicted to increase from their current low levels.

Grosser noted that rhinoviruses, the most frequent cause of the common cold, have been seeing higher levels than the other common respiratory illnesses recently. RSV is following a typical seasonal path, he said, while influenza hospitalizations are predicted to remain similar to or slightly lower than last season.

COVID-19, Grosser pointed out, remains a concern, but widespread vaccination and improved treatments have resulted in generally less severe cases. “COVID-19 is now endemic,” he said, “meaning it will continue to circulate seasonally similar to the flu. The availability of vaccines and boosters is a key factor in combating severe cases and hospitalizations, particularly if more virulent strains come about.”

Grosser explained that COVID-19 has evolved into an illness that is now managed like other respiratory viruses, with public health responses shifting from emergency measures to routine prevention and treatment strategies. The Princeton Health Department’s response to COVID-19 now includes vaccination and boosters; antiviral treatments, such as Paxlovid, that reduce the severity of infections in high-risk individuals; and ongoing surveillance, with monitoring of new variants, though most are less severe than the initial strain.

“As we move forward, COVID-19 will likely continue to peak in the winter months, similar to the flu,” he said. “While it remains a concern, the response is now integrated into the broader management of seasonal respiratory illnesses.”

Grosser continued to urge residents to get vaccinated. He described vaccinations as “critical tools in reducing the severity of illness,” adding, “This is your best defense against severe illness.”

His other advice as the respiratory illness season gains momentum includes: practice good hygiene — wash hands regularly, use hand sanitizer, avoid touching your face; use HEPA filters to improve indoor air quality; avoid crowded places during peak seasons; and stay informed, keeping up with local health advisories, the latest recommendations from the CDC, the New Jersey Department of Health, and the Princeton Health Department.

“From our discussions during COVID-19 with various employers in Princeton, many landlords and business owners have upgraded their HVAC filtration to a MERV-13 rating or better to improve air quality,” he said.

Tracking the recent national E. coli outbreak linked to organic carrots and onions is another item on the Princeton Health Department’s agenda. “The Health Department works closely with restaurants when food recalls occur through communication and product verification when necessary,” said Grosser.

In addition, the department is currently undergoing the reaccreditation process from the Public Health Accreditation Board. “This is a key focus for the department in 2024, ensuring continued excellence in public health services,” Grosser said.

It’s not clear how many live poultry reside in Princeton, but bird flu, or highly pathogenic avian influenza, has been detected in New Jersey among wild birds and some domestic poultry, Grosser pointed out, Human cases are rare but can occur through close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments. There is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission at this time.

Avoiding contact between poultry and wild birds, disinfecting equipment and footwear, and reporting any unusual bird deaths are recommended practices, and the CDC and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also recommend proper handling and cooking of poultry products, since the virus does not survive high cooking temperatures.

“For anyone who handles birds, such as hunters or poultry workers, it’s important to wear protective gear and avoid contact with sick or dead birds,” Grosser said. “While the risk to the general public is low, those in close contact with poultry should take additional precautions.”

In a few final words of wisdom for the Princeton community, Grosser reiterated his advice about vaccinations and good hygiene, as well as using proper respiratory etiquette, eating healthy, and getting enough sleep during the holidays.

“Remember, we’ve made tremendous progress in managing respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, and public health measures continue to improve as we navigate seasonal peaks. Stay safe, stay healthy, and continue to look out for each other in the town,” he concluded.