As flu season swiftly approaches, many are bracing themselves with the challenge of avoiding illness. This time of year also brings in other respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, RSV and pertussis. In Washtenaw County, there have been reports of COVID-19 and influenza A and B. The Washtenaw County Health Department has specific concerns and advice regarding this flu season and how to prepare.
Influenza spreads quickly and takes 1 to 4 days for symptoms to appear. Symptoms of the flu include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny/stuffy nose
- Body aches
- Headache
- Extreme fatigue
- Vomiting and diarrhea
Susan Ringler-Cerniglia, MPH and the Communications and Health Promotion Administrator at the Washtenaw County Health Department voices the importance of preventative measures when it comes to flu season.
“We have seen a decrease in routine vaccines,” she said. The influenza vaccine covers 3-4 strains of influenza each year and may help protect against new strains by lessening symptoms.
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Ringler-Cerniglia went on to say that the Health Department is also on the lookout for other respiratory illnesses this flu season as they are seeing rises in cases of COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and pertussis (whooping cough). These respiratory illnesses are spread through the air, usually when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms to monitor for COVID-19 are similar to influenza symptoms but include shortness of breath/difficulty breathing and new loss of taste or smell. One of the main ways to prevent the severity of symptoms and reduce the risk of spreading it is to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Ringler-Cerniglia stated the Health Department should have the newly updated version of the COVID-19 vaccine by mid-September this year.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes infections in the respiratory tract and lungs and is known to cause severe symptoms in children under the age of one. RSV can greatly affect premature babies or the immunocompromised. Symptoms of RSV are congested/runny nose, dry cough, low-grade fever, sore throat, sneezing, headache, severe cough, wheezing and difficulty breathing. RSV is the most common cause of pneumonia. Prevention of RSV includes a vaccine for the elderly and pregnant women and antibody treatment can be given for severe cases.
Pertussis is another contagious respiratory illness that has similar symptoms to the common cold but may quickly escalate. Babies, the immunocompromised, and the elderly usually have the most severe symptoms. Symptoms of pertussis vary based on one’s age and vaccination status. When symptoms start, it can appear as a common cold but often escalates to a high-pitched “whoop” sound while coughing, vomiting during coughing fits, exhaustion, difficulty sleeping, struggling to breathe and breaking rib(s) due to excessive coughing. Whooping cough is treated with antibiotics.
It is important to get vaccines early in the season to help prevent and protect against these illnesses. Ringler-Cernigliastates the populations that are especially vulnerable during flu season are “the very young and very old”. If your child is not insured and needs vaccines, you can check with your child’s doctor for the availability of free vaccines.
Additional ways of preventing the flu and respiratory illnesses include hand washing before and after meals and after coughing or sneezing. Avoid contact with those who have flu or cold symptoms and boost your immune system by getting regular sleep, exercising and eating a healthy diet. Wearing a mask around those who have sick symptoms may help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses as well. It is important to regularly clean shared spaces with disinfectant cleaners to help prevent the spread of germs.
As flu season approaches, it is important to stay informed and proactive to protect yourself and others from the spread of these respiratory illnesses. Taking preventative measures has never been more important as reports of COVID-19 and Influenza A and B are on the rise. Staying up to date on vaccinations, good hygiene practices, avoiding contact with those who are sick, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the spread of these illnesses. The Washtenaw County Health Department has many resources to help those who have any questions or concerns regarding these illnesses.
