Courtesy Dave Thompson, Prairie Public Radio

BISMARCK, N.D. (Prairie Public Radio) – State Health officials say if we have learned anything from the pandemic it’s that respiratory diseases are abundant and they spread easily – especially when individuals are in close-quarters.

Levi Schlosser is Influenza Surveillance Coordinator with the state Department of Health and Human Services.

Schlosser says with the weather getting colder and more time is being spent indoors we need to keep basic safety and personal health in mind.

Schlosser says while there are many simple steps a person can take to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, getting vaccinated for flu and COVID should be at the top of everyone’s list.