This time of year, we are routinely preparing for the beginning of respiratory illness season, encouraging flu vaccines and promoting other prevention messages. What is not routine, both in Virginia and across the country, are the earlier-than-usual reports of increased respiratory cases. More people, particularly young children aged 0-4 years, are being evaluated and treated in urgent care centers, emergency departments, and hospitals for influenza-like illness compared to the same time in previous years. While COVID-19 remains a constant in our communities, the increase in respiratory illness is associated with influenza as well as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

In response to the early and rapid increase in respiratory illness, the Virginia Department of Health is urging residents to get both the new bivalent COVID booster as well as this year’s flu shot. Vaccines are the best line of defense.

Beyond getting vaccinated, what else can help prevent illness?

There are several additional practices that can help protect our communities from the worst of these seasonal bugs.

• Stay home when sick. If you have a fever of 100°F or more, stay home until at least 24 hours after the fever is gone. If you have influenza or COVID, you should stay home for longer, at least 4 or 5 days after beginning of symptoms respectively.
• Wash your hands regularly with soap.
• Practice good respiratory etiquette. Sneeze or cough into your elbow, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Sanitize commonly touched surfaces more frequently during the fall and winter.

How can I tell if I have the flu, COVID, RSV or a cold?

You may not always be able to tell what illness you have. The flu and COVID-19 have many similar symptoms, including fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue (tiredness), sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle pain or body aches and headaches. COVID-19 differs from flu with a possible change in or loss of taste or smell.

RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms including fever, cough, congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and in infants, fussiness and poor feeding. It can progress to more severe symptoms such as fast or short breathing or wheezing.

The bottom line is that if you are sick, the best thing to do is to stay home and call your healthcare provider to see if you should get tested.

Isn’t getting the flu just like getting a bad cold?  Why should I get a flu vaccine?

No. The flu can be a serious disease, particularly for young children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with certain chronic health conditions, such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes. Even for otherwise healthy children and adults, influenza carries a risk of serious complications, hospitalization or rarely, even death. Vaccination is cheaper and more convenient than getting sick, and it protects those around you. Catching a respiratory illness can cost you in time away from work, medical bills, missed events, and days of misery.