Seasonal Illness Prevention
Cooler weather is upon us which means cold and flu season is here. Are you prepared? This year there are new vaccines for certain people to consider in addition to getting your annual flu vaccine.
What are some common seasonal illnesses and what can we do to protect ourselves and our families?
Influenza is a respiratory illness caused by a virus and spread by tiny droplets that are in the air and on surfaces. It can cause symptoms such as sore throat, runny nose, congestion, cough, fever, chills, fatigue, and body aches. Treatment can include comfort measures and over-the-counter fever reducers/pain relievers. Influenza generally resolves without intervention, but for some people with chronic conditions, influenza can cause severe illness, hospitalization, or death. Prevention for influenza includes getting the annual flu vaccine which is available for all persons six months and older. Peak influenza season happens between December and March so make sure to get your flu shot prior to this time to offer the best protection.
Pneumonia is a lower respiratory illness that can be spread in a similar manner to influenza. Some symptoms are similar to influenza, but pneumonia primarily affects the lungs. Pneumonia can be either viral or bacterial. Bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics while viral pneumonia frequently resolves without intervention. It is important to see your provider if your symptoms do not resolve, worsen, or cause you to have difficulty breathing. Those at highest risk are people who already have breathing problems, older adults, and infants. Children and older adults are vaccinated for pneumococcal infections. This is not an annual vaccine so check with your provider to see if you are due for a pneumonia vaccine.
RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus. This virus collects in the linings of the nose, breathing tubes, and lungs. It causes airways to swell, narrow, and fill with mucous. It can lead to symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, runny nose, wheezing, and shortness of breath. It is the most common respiratory infection in young infants, but anyone can get RSV. Adults usually describe their symptoms as mild, cold-like symptoms. RSV can be especially dangerous for young infants, older adults, and people with chronic conditions such as heart or lung disorders. The good news is that we have new tools this year to fight against RSV infections. Two new vaccines are available for adults 60 and over through shared decision-making with your provider. Their brand names are Arexvy and Abrysvo. Both vaccines contain the antigen which causes our immune system to respond by creating antibodies to fight against the virus if we are exposed to it. Check with your provider to see if one of these is right for you. Since these vaccines are new, they may not be available yet in your area.
COVID-19- The CDC is now recommending all people age 6 months and older get the updated 2023-2024 monovalent COVID-19 vaccine. As the virus changes, our protection also needs to change. This new formulation can help restore and enhance protection against the most prevalent COVID-19 variants.
Where can I get my vaccine?
Most commercial insurance carriers cover vaccines at little or no cost through your primary care clinic or pharmacy as long as they are in-network. Children enrolled in a Medicaid program receive vaccines free of charge through the Vaccine for Children Program (VFC). Most adult Medicaid members have little or no cost, but they should check with their primary care clinic to see if they offer adult VFC vaccines or if they should get these at their pharmacy. Medicare members can receive flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19 vaccines at their primary care clinic covered by Medicare Part B. Certain vaccines, including the new RSV vaccine, are covered under Medicare Part D which requires members to receive these vaccines through their pharmacy for proper coverage. If you have questions regarding where you can receive vaccines, please check with your primary care clinic. It is helpful to bring your insurance card with you to your appointment.
Prevention is key when it comes to these illnesses. What else can we do?
- Frequent hand washing or using hand sanitizer can keep viruses and bacteria from entering our body from touching.
- Keep hand sanitizer in your bag and vehicle and use it after shopping or pumping gas.
- Staying hydrated, maintaining an active lifestyle, eating a well-balanced diet, and getting adequate rest help to reduce stress in our bodies.
- Wipe down frequently touched surfaces in our homes.
- Refrain from kissing babies and young children. Sometimes we may spread illness before we know we are sick.
- Remind teens not to share drinks with friends and to wear clothing appropriate for the weather conditions.
- Keep extra supplies at home such as soup or warm liquids, cough drops, tissues, hand sanitizer, thermometer, fever reducers, etc.
- If we do become ill, we should cover our cough and stay home to reduce the risk of exposing others. Please wear a mask if you do need to leave your home.
Make a plan now to protect yourself and your family. As always, Crossing Rivers Health is here for you!
Sources: CHOP Vaccine Education Center, Immunize.org, CDC, CMS, Wisconsin Department of Health Services