Preventing complications from respiratory illnesses this cold and flu season

As the weather cools down and fall and winter are upon us, we often see a spike in respiratory illnesses, ranging from mild colds to more serious illnesses. Three respiratory viruses especially become more prevalent: influenza, COVID-19 and RSV.

Though many people experience mild to moderate symptoms of each of these illnesses, the illness can become severe and even deadly for some. The best way to avoid serious illness and hospitalization is to take preventative measures, namely, getting vaccinated. Getting vaccinated ahead of exposure to the virus is the most effective way to prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death.

What are the symptoms of respiratory illness?

Influenza (the flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 all have very similar symptoms, which can include:

• Fever and/or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Sneezing
• Loss of taste or smell
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Fatigue
• Decreased appetite
• Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea

If you’re experiencing symptoms, promptly seek guidance from a healthcare provider for testing and/or treatment. Early treatment can help reduce the risk of your illness becoming more serious. This is especially important for those with risk factors for severe illness, such as older adults, young children, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant people and people with certain disabilities or other chronic diseases.

Seek emergency care by calling 9-1-1 if you notice any of these signs and symptoms in yourself or a loved one who is ill:

• Worsening symptoms
• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• Confusion
• Reduced fluid intake
• Difficulty waking up or staying awake
• Lips, nail beds and/or skin appearing pale, gray or blue
• Confusion

Who should get vaccinated and when?

The flu

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine every cold and flu season, with a few exceptions. Infectious disease experts recommend getting the flu vaccination by the end of October, but the flu vaccine can be given later in the season if not yet vaccinated. The flu vaccine takes about two weeks to be effective since your body needs time to build antibodies to fight the flu.

Those who should NOT get the flu shot include:

• Infants younger than 6 months
• Those with certain allergies.
• People who have had a severe allergic reaction to the flu shot.

If you have questions about flu vaccination, talk to your doctor or other health care professional.

RSV

Currently, the RSV vaccine is recommended for pregnant people and older adults. RSV monoclonal antibodies are available and recommended for some infants and young children. RSV is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat and lungs. The virus does not usually cause severe illness in healthy adults and children. However, older adults and infants younger than 6 months of age who become infected with RSV can become very sick and may need to be hospitalized.

Pregnant people

The CDC recommends pregnant people receive one dose of the maternal RSV vaccine during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy if the person is pregnant during RSV season. Doing so protects moms and newborns.

Babies born to mothers who got the vaccine at least two weeks before delivery will be protected. In fact, in most cases, if the mother received the vaccination prior to giving birth, the child will not need an RSV immunization of their own later.

Infants and young children

To prevent severe RSV disease in infants, the CDC recommends RSV monoclonal antibodies if the mother did not get the maternal RSV vaccine while pregnant.

RSV monoclonal antibodies may be needed for toddlers up to 24 months who are at increased risk. This includes:

• Children born prematurely
• Children with chronic lung disease
• Children with a compromised immune system
• Children with severe cystic fibrosis
• Indigenous children

Older adults

For adults aged 60 and older, the CDC recommends the vaccine for :

• Everyone age 75 or older
• Adults 60-74 who are at increased risk of chronic heart problems, lung disease or other chronic medical conditions
• Adults who live in a nursing home or other long-term care facility

The RSV vaccine is not an annual vaccine, meaning older adults do not need to get a dose every RSV season. If you have already been vaccinated, you are protected. The best time to get vaccinated is in late summer and early fall — just before RSV spreads in the community.

If you are pregnant or an older adult, your provider will be able to help walk you through the specific guidelines around getting the RSV vaccine. If you are a parent or guardian, consult with your child’s pediatrician.

COVID-19

The guidelines for the COVID-19 vaccine have changed since it was first released. Vaccine protection decreases over time, so staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccination is important.

The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine. Getting a current COVID vaccine is especially important for:

• Those ages 65 and older
• Those at high risk for severe COVID-19 based on other health conditions
• Those who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine

Your provider will review your medical history to help you decide which vaccine you should receive and how many injections you may need.

Consult with your provider before vaccination

Before getting any of the above vaccines, talk to your primary care provider. Your provider will be able to review your vaccine history, allergies and health conditions, as well as answer any questions about guidelines based on your specific situation. Your provider can recommend the best course of action for you about which vaccinations you should receive.

Why should I get vaccinated?

Getting vaccinated can help minimize your symptoms so the illness does not become severe. Though most people who become ill with a respiratory virus will recover in about two weeks, some people can develop serious, life-threatening complications. These can range from pneumonia to encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and even kidney failure. Respiratory illness can also worsen chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic heart disease.

Young children, older adults, people with weakened immune systems, people who are pregnant and people with disabilities are especially at risk of developing serious complications.

Additionally, not everyone may be able to get vaccinated due to age or certain health conditions. By protecting ourselves with vaccines, we are also helping to protect others.

Vaccine side effects

The most common side effects from any vaccine are typically mild. You may have a sore arm, low-grade fever, redness or swelling where the shot was given, muscle aches, fatigue or a headache. These symptoms usually go away after a couple of days.

However, though very rare, some people may experience severe allergic reactions to vaccines. Signs of an allergic reaction can include:

• Hives
• Swelling in the face or throat
• Difficulty breathing
• A fast heartbeat
• Dizziness and weakness

If you or someone close to you experiences any of these symptoms after receiving a vaccine, seek medical attention immediately by calling 9-1-1.

As always, if you have any concerns about a vaccine, including vaccine safety and your specific situation, talk to your provider.

What else can I do to prevent respiratory viruses?

In addition to being vaccinated, everyone can take these simple actions to reduce the spread of the flu, COVID-19 and RSV:

• Practice good hygiene.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water often.
  • Clean frequently touched surfaces.
• Take steps for cleaner air.
  • Bring in fresh outside air by opening windows.
  • Purify indoor air.
  • Consider gathering outdoors.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Wear a mask and put distance between yourself and others.
• Seek care promptly for testing and/or treatment if you are at increased risk.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home and away from others if you are sick.

Keeping everyone well

Make sure that mild cases of the sniffles don’t develop into something worse this cold and flu season. Protect yourself and the ones you love through vaccination and other preventative measures. Talk to your provider about which vaccines are best for you.