The article below is a top story from this week's ACTION newsletter—Care Providers of Minnesota's weekly newsletter for members. The newsletter focuses on current legislative issues, regulations, long-term care trends, and other Association news. Each Thursday evening, it is delivered to your inbox. To sign up for ACTION, contact Lisa Foss Olson (952-851-2483). To learn more about membership, visit our Become a Member page.
Respiratory illnesses continue to circulate
By Michaun Shetler | February 7, 2025 | All providers
In recent weeks, Minnesota has been experiencing increased levels of respiratory illness in both in-patient and outpatient settings, schools and childcare, and long-term care facilities throughout the state. Many providers have reported residents and staff being affected by one or more respiratory illnesses. When there is a high volume of respiratory illnesses circulating, the chances of coming in contact with someone who is contagious are greater.
What can you do? Continue practicing infection prevention methods like handwashing; increase cleaning of high touch surfaces; covering coughs and sneezes; socially distancing; and staying home when ill. In addition, it is not too late to get vaccinated. Staying up to date on vaccines for respiratory illness like influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19 can help minimize the spread and decrease the symptoms and duration of any given illness.
Stay current with Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) influenza statistics at
Weekly Influenza and Respiratory Activity: Statistics and subscribe to receive email alerts.
For additional information on other respiratory illnesses, including influenza, review MDH’s “
Viral Respiratory Illness in Minnesota” dashboard.
Michaun Shetler | Vice President of Regulatory Affairs | mshetler@careproviders.org | 952-851-2484