RESPIRATORY VIRUS PREVENTION The time is now
While many look forward to gathering with friends and family, holiday season get-togethers carry a risk of respiratoryvirus infections.
Clinicians are tracking three main viruses that may make this a difficult respiratory virus season: influenza (flu), RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and COVID-19. And the most surefire way to ensure you and others remain virusfreeis to have a plan — from preventionto treatment.
Influenza and RSV predictably make an appearance during winter months each year, causing up to 600,000 and 160,000 hospitalizations, and up to 50,000 and 10,000 deaths in adults, respectively.
COVID-19 is a newer player on the respiratory virus stage. To date, it is responsible for nearly 7 million deaths worldwide.
How COVID will fit into the annual winter surge in respiratory illnesses is not yet clear, but cases are rising, with a 3.1% increase in hospital admissions due to COVID, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for the week beginning Dec. 3. Newer variants such as JN.1 may lead to a further surge in cases and we expect to see increased numbers of cases over the holidays, like the peak in hospitalizations that occurred the week after Christmas2022.
All three contagious respiratory viruses can cause mild to severe illness.
This year, there’s good news. With vaccines now available for each of these viruses, we are more prepared than ever to face the threat and enjoy our holidays with peace of mind.
A recent survey from the Annenberg Public Policy Center showed that over a third of Americans are worried that the viruses will infect them or someone they love.
Factors that increase risk of severe infection include being 60 years or older, having chronic heart or lung disease, having a weakened immune system dueto illness or medication, or having other medical conditions. Even if you don’t fit into these risk groups, everyone knows someone at increased risk
― maybe among our closest friends and family ― who would be more likely to require hospitalization or even die if they caught the flu,RSV or COVID-19.
So how do we protect ourselves and our loved ones from illness this year? Front andcenter are vaccines.
Recommended by the CDC for more than 20 years, the influenza vaccine decreases the risk of illness by 40-60%, with an even greater reduction in severe disease. Every year, a new flu vaccine is developed to match the circulating virus strains based on information from countries around the world. The CDC recommends getting the flu vaccine each fall; even if you have not gotten it yet, you still have time, as flu season is just beginning.
COVID-19 vaccines have been available since December 2020, with updates to target changes in the virus that have occurred after time. The vaccines provide short-term protection against COVID infection and, most importantly, provide lasting protection against severe infection leading to hospitalization and death.
If your most recent COVID vaccination was before Sept. 12, you should get an updated COVID-19 vaccine. Repeated vaccinations are needed to ensure the best protection, particularly if you are at higher risk for more serious infection.
Two vaccines for RSV have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for people older than 60. While these vaccines — GSK’s Arexvy and Pfizer’s Abrysvo — are relatively new, clinical trials showed that they were more than 80% effective in preventing lower respiratory tract infection from RSV. If you are over the age of 60, you should talk with your doctor about the benefits of getting the RSV vaccine, particularly if you are at high risk for severe RSV.
Beyond vaccination, there is plenty you can do for added protection for yourself and those around you.
While you’re traveling and especially when in crowds, wear a mask and wash your hands frequently. If you feel under the weather or have been exposed to someone with one ofthese viruses, stay home.
Ifyou must go out, wear a mask around others to prevent spreading illness. You may also want to consider gathering outdoors or making sure indoor spaces are properly ventilated. In addition, taking a COVID-19 rapid antigen test provides anotherlayer of protection.
If you do become infected with the flu or COVID-19, antiviral medications can lessen the duration and severity of symptoms. They work best when taken early; if you are sick, contact your doctor right away to see if these might help you.
Those with an increased risk of serious infection should talk with their doctor ahead of time about a “sick plan.” It should include a strategy for testing and treatment options.
The right plan will give you and your loved ones more peace of mind as the respiratory virus season continues.