Respiratory Illness Prevention
Respiratory illness season is here. During the winter, Americans spend more time indoors gathering with friends and family. These activities can put you at increased risk of developing respiratory illnesses. What can you do to protect yourself and your family?
The CDC recommends that everyone age 6 months and older receive a flu shot yearly. If you haven’t already, now is the time to get yours. There are many convenient ways to get your flu shot including at your clinic and pharmacy. Most insurance providers, as well as Medicare and Medicaid, cover flu vaccines yearly at no cost.
What is flu? Influenza is a viral infection that causes symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, headache, muscle aches, sore throat, runny nose, and fatigue. Some people can experience vomiting and diarrhea, but this is more common in children than adults. Most people's symptoms are mild and can be treated at home with increased fluids, rest, healthy foods, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Some people who have chronic health conditions can experience additional complications requiring evaluation, prescription medications, or hospitalization.
Why is it important to get a flu shot each year? Researchers determine which types of flu have been most common and use those flu types in making the vaccine for the current year. When you get a flu shot, your immune system responds by making antibodies to fight against the flu virus when you are exposed to it. These antibodies lessen over time and you need the vaccine again so your body can make more antibodies to protect you for the current season.
Can I get the flu from the flu shot? No. The flu vaccine does not contain the live virus, but rather an inactivated form. Sometimes, you can feel flu-like symptoms after getting the flu shot. This happens in response to your immune system ramping up to make those antibodies. This response usually resolves within a few days and can be treated by increasing fluids, getting more rest, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers as needed.
Though not considered a seasonal vaccine the pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine can help prevent lower respiratory tract infections. Children younger than five receive this vaccine as part of their routine childhood immunizations. New recommendations from the CDC decrease the age of adults at average risk of infection to receive these vaccines beginning at age 50. Previously, this vaccine was recommended for average-risk adults beginning at age 65. This change provides more Americans with the opportunity to protect themselves from serious illnesses such as pneumonia (infection in the lungs caused by bacteria), meningitis (infection in the lining of the brain and spinal cord), blood-stream infections, ear and sinus infections. Staying up to date with recommended vaccines is the best way to protect against infections.
The updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine is available and the CDC reports it is safe to receive the COVID-19 and the flu vaccines at the same time. Similar to the flu vaccine, researchers have determined the most common variants, and that is what is included in the current COVID-19 vaccine.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is another respiratory virus that is most problematic for infants, older adults, and those with certain health problems. The single dose RSV vaccine is available from three manufacturers under the names of Arexvy, mResvia, and Abrysvo. It is recommended for all adults age 75 and older and for adults 60-74 years old with heart or lung conditions or a weakened immune system. This is currently not an annual vaccine, meaning you only need one RSV vaccine.
One of these vaccines, Abrysvo, is also indicated for pregnant women during 32-36 weeks of pregnancy. This vaccine protects mom and baby if received at least two weeks before delivery. If the mom does not receive this RSV vaccine prior to delivery or it is less than two weeks between vaccine administration and the baby’s arrival, the baby can receive an injection of monoclonal antibodies (Beyfortus) which gives them passive immunity to RSV, helping to prevent severe respiratory infection. RSV illness can range from mild to severe. In some infants, their condition can rapidly worsen and require immediate emergency response.
What other steps can I take to prevent respiratory illness?
- Wash hands
- Stay home when sick and for 24 hours after fever or vomiting
- Stay hydrated
- Get plenty of rest
- Eat a healthy diet
- Get exercise-recommended 30 minutes of movement per day
- Take prescribed medications
- Have an annual wellness visit
Try these tips for a healthy winter season, and check with your health care provider for any questions and for personalized preventative care.
Protect your health—schedule your vaccine appointment today!