CDPH Health Advisory: Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus Activity and Guidance for Clinicians September 28, 2021 California, California Department of Public Health, Californians, COVID-19, LA County, LAHAN, Los Angeles, Public Health, Respiratory syncytial virus, SARS-CoV-2 1396 The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a Health Advisory today entitled “Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus Activity and Guidance for Clinicians" The key messages are below and the full Health Advisory can be viewed here. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other respiratory viruses besides SARS-CoV-2 are circulating in California and causing potentially serious illnesses in infants and older adults. Testing for influenza and RSV is recommended, and testing for other respiratory pathogens should be considered, especially in patients with respiratory illnesses who test negative for SARS-CoV-2. Routine testing for influenza is important for tracking influenza activity, which is currently low. Vaccinate Californians 6 months and older against influenza. Influenza vaccine and COVID-19 can be coadministered. Encourage parents and caregivers to keep young children with acute respiratory illnesses out of childcare, even if they have tested negative for SARS-CoV-2. Discourage health care personnel, childcare providers, and staff of long-term care facilities from working while acutely ill, even if they have tested negative for SARS-CoV-2. To view other LAHAN communications, please visit publichealth.lacounty.gov/lahan. If this message was forwarded to you, please join LAHAN here.