Get prepared for COVID, flu, RSV season

This piece is sponsored by Avera Health.

Fall is the time of year when flu and other sickness start to spread.

Three in particular should serve as reminders to take risk-reducing steps, including getting vaccinated. Those bugs include:

• Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, which often affects babies and children.
• COVID-19, which continues to cause hospitalizations and serious illness.
• Influenza, or the flu, which is common but dangerous, especially for the very young and old.

While flu season falls often in autumn and RSV case numbers are higher in winter, COVID-19 is a newer, year-long threat.

“RSV is really contagious and hits the little ones really hard,” said Dr. Kara Bruning, Avera pediatrician. “We see kids with serious flu and COVID-19 too.”

Get vaccinated

“Getting vaccinated is the safest way to protect yourself from getting seriously ill,” said Dr. Jawad Nazir, Avera Medical Group infectious disease and internal medicine specialist. Vaccinations can help stop the spread of viruses, especially to vulnerable people such as the very young, old or folks with underlying medical conditions.

While vaccines won’t prevent all cases of viral illnesses, their valuable protection against serious cases and hospitalization makes them the gold standard in preventive medicine.

Avera recommends these vaccinations:

• Annual flu shot for anyone 6 months and older, including pregnant women. High-dose vaccines for people 65 and older are recommended too.
• Annual COVID vaccine for anyone 6 months and older, including pregnant women.
• RSV vaccine for pregnant women between 32 and 36 weeks gestation. A vaccine within one week of birth is recommended for newborns born between October and March or if the mother didn’t receive a vaccine during pregnancy. An RSV vaccine also is available for adults age 60 and older, and adults with certain chronic conditions. RSV is typically a single-dose vaccine; however, check with your provider to determine if additional dosing is needed.

Read more: Avera’s full list of vaccine recommendations for all ages.

Private and government insurers cover most vaccines; check with your plan to see what vaccines are covered.

Stop the spread of winter sickness

RSV and flu rates can fluctuate from year to year, but cases usually begin showing up in the fall. To stop the spread, use proven methods such as:

• Good, regular handwashing.
• Social distancing and mask use to avoid possible spread from others.
• Staying home when you’re sick, and keeping sick kids home when they’re ill too.

“We need to do everything we can to stop these viruses before they start,” Bruning said. “Everyone should take preventive steps, especially when it comes to getting your vaccinations.”

“Vaccines don’t just protect the individual who receives them — they also help protect entire communities by reducing the spread of disease,” Nazir said. “When more people are vaccinated, it creates a shield of protection, making it harder for illnesses to spread and safeguarding those who are most vulnerable.”

What to do if you get sick

Flu treatments are available but work best if patients get them right away. Contact your provider either in-person or via AveraChart message about testing for flu and treatment options.

• Anytime you have cold or flu-like symptoms, it’s important to be tested for COVID-19 before you risk exposing others.
• Over-the-counter flu and COVID tests are available.

When you need to see a doctor 

• Young children, older folks and anyone with a compromised immune system such as chemotherapy patients should get to their doctor’s office right away with symptoms.
• If your fever reaches or exceeds 102 degrees — especially after taking ibuprofen — it’s time to see your doctor.

Oxygen therapies sometimes are used for flu and RSV patients who are admitted to hospitals. A patient can develop pneumonia and sometimes can require supplemental oxygen.

Get more wellness and prevention tips at Avera.org/Balance.