Respiratory virus activity increasing and hospitalization on the rise: Get vaccinated

Low vaccination rates for the flu, COVID-19, and RSV are putting Americans at a higher risk for severe illnesses and hospitalization this winter, according to a new alert from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), which is also alerting physicians to an “urgent need” to boost vaccination rates for these three viruses spreading rapidly.

We spoke with Dr. Sangeeta Panwar, MD, MBA, FACP, Senior Medical Director at Sentara Health Plans, to learn more about the rise in respiratory illnesses and the best precautions to take this winter to help reduce the chance of serious illness.

What should people know about the new Coronavirus JN.1 subvariant?

Panwar: This subvariant is part of the Omicron strain and is now rapidly spreading across the U.S. It currently accounts for over 20 percent of new COVID-19 cases in the U.S. The symptoms and severity of COVID-19, in general, usually depend on a person’s immunity and overall health rather than the variant causing the infection.

Generally, COVID-19 symptoms include fever, chills, coughing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, according to the CDC. The updated COVID-19 vaccine increases protection against this subvariant, and current treatments are also expected to work against it.

What about the flu and RSV?

Panwar: In the past four weeks, hospitalizations among all age groups increased by 200% for influenza, 51% for COVID-19, and 60% for RSV. Each of these respiratory illnesses can result in severe disease, especially among unvaccinated people. Safe and effective vaccines are available for both, but vaccination rates are currently low.

A new RSV immunization is also available for infants (link to https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2023/han00499.asp). Though it has been hard to come by, more doses are being manufactured and are set to be available in early 2024. The vaccine was approved this summer, marking the first time doctors and parents had the opportunity to protect babies against RSV, which is the leading cause of hospitalization for infants during their first year.

What should people know about vaccinating against these respiratory illnesses?

Panwar: If you haven’t gotten an updated booster and a flu shot this year, now is the time to get it. The CDC recommends that everyone ages six months and older receive a flu and COVID-19 shot. And you may not have heard about RSV vaccination yet because it’s relatively new. The CDC recommends the RSV vaccine for eligible infants, children, and adults ages 60 and older.

You may think that you don’t “need” to be vaccinated, but getting vaccinated decreases your risk of hospitalization and death, no matter your age. CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen explains that 70 to 80 percent of American adults over 18 have at least one condition that puts them at higher risk of a bad outcome from these respiratory illnesses.

The COVID-19 vaccine also decreases your risk of long COVID. About one in seven adults who have had COVID-19 report long COVID symptoms, including ongoing fatigue or cough, which can develop even if you had a mild case.

While you’re not guaranteed not to get sick with one of these illnesses after being vaccinated, your symptoms will usually be milder and less severe than if you had not been vaccinated. It may be the difference between a hospital stay and treatment at home.

Can pregnant women be vaccinated against these illnesses?

Panwar: Respiratory illnesses during pregnancy can cause dehydration, high fevers, and other concerns that can put pregnant people at risk for preterm birth and labor. Respiratory illnesses like RSV and Pertussis (also known as Whooping Cough) are also very dangerous for babies while they’re still too young to be vaccinated. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends vaccinations for these illnesses and vaccinations against Whooping Cough and RSV later in pregnancy – both of which can protect their baby against severe illness for up to six months after birth. Learn more about respiratory virus protection during pregnancy.

What can you tell people who are worried about vaccine safety?

Panwar: This is such a meaningful conversation to have with your doctor. We understand people may have heard things that worry them. Talk with your doctor about your specific concerns.

Patients ask us if these vaccines can cause the illnesses they’re being vaccinated against. But the side effects you’re experiencing, such as a low-grade fever or feeling tired, are your body learning to defend itself from the disease without the dangers of a full-blown infection. The body is left with a supply of these fighter cells and will remember how to fight the infection in the future.

Research proves that these respiratory illnesses are dangerous, particularly to our most fragile populations, such as older adults and young children. A great deal of data also shows that these vaccines are safe.

How many vaccines can a patient get at the same appointment?

Panwar: For some people, getting all the recommended vaccines at a single appointment is the easiest way to stay up-to-date. Scientific studies (link to https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/whats-new/getting-vaccines-at-same-time.html) during the last three years indicate that it is safe to get both the flu and COVID-19 vaccine at the same visit, and you can get all three vaccines on the same day if you would like – flu, COVID-19 and RSV.

You might experience more side effects, like fever and fatigue, but these are usually mild or moderate and only last a day or two. Getting all your vaccines at once means you won’t have to return for another appointment and will help you be protected against these respiratory diseases sooner. For people who prefer to get their vaccinations at different visits, you don’t need to wait a specific amount of time after the previous vaccine to get your next one.

What other precautions can people take against respiratory viruses?

Panwar: I recommend good handwashing and staying home when sick. If you are elderly, immunocompromised, or have a severe underlying condition such as heart disease, you may want to wear an N95 or equivalent mask while in indoor public spaces. Consider taking a rapid COVID-19 test before seeing someone vulnerable to the illness.

Looking to speak to your provider about vaccinations against RSV, COVID and the flu? Schedule an appointment with a Sentara provider to update your vaccinations.

More Resources:

Get more information on vaccine recommendations

Urgent Need to Increase Immunization Coverage for Influenza, COVID-19, and RSV  

What to Know About Getting Flu, COVID-19, and RSV Vaccines at the Same Time  

RSV Vaccination Recommendations