Flu, Covid, and RSV

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a common respiratory virus that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. 

Common symptoms include:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Coughing and sneezing
• Decreased appetite
• Wheezing
• Fever

Anyone can get RSV, but certain people are at a higher risk of severe illness or complications like hospitalizations, infection or inflammation of the lungs, such as pneumonia, and even death. This includes:

• Infants under 6 months of age
• Young children with underlying medical conditions
• People with weakened immune systems
• Older Adults, especially those with chronic health conditions

How it Spreads:

RSV spreads easily through: 

• When an infected person coughs or sneezes near you.
• Touching surfaces that have the virus on them, like a doorknob, then touching your face before washing your hands.
• Direct contact with an infected person, such as shaking hands.

What Immunizations are Available?

RSV Vaccine: A single dose for adults ages 75 years and older, high risk adults ages 60-74 years, and pregnant people.

RSV Antibody(nirsevimab): For all infants under 8months old, and certain high-risk infants ages 8-19 months old.

When Should You Get the RSV Vaccine or Antibody?

• For adults 60 and over: Get vaccinated as soon as it’s available. The ideal time is in late summer or early fall. However, adults can get vaccinated at any time of the year.
• For pregnant people: Between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy to protect their babies after birth. The vaccine is recommended during the RSV season, which is usually from September 1 through January 31.
• For infants: Recommended for infants if the birthing parent did not receive the RSV vaccine during pregnancy, or infants that were born within 14 days of the birth parent receiving RSV vaccination. The RSV antibody, nirsevimab, is recommended during the infant’s first RSV season, from October 1 through March 31.

 

To learn more about RSV, visit:

• https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/immunization/diseases-and-vaccines/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv 
• https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/rsv/learn-about-rsv
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQTtXEuB778

Influenza, or flu, is a respiratory disease caused by the influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. 

Common symptoms include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough and sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle and body aches
• Tiredness

 Anyone can get flu including healthy people, but certain people are at a higher risk of severe illness or complications, including hospitalizations or even death.  This includes:

• Infants and young children, especially under 5 years of age
• Adults 65 years or older
• People of any age with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems
• Pregnant people

How it Spreads?

• When an infected person coughs or sneezes near you.
• Touching surfaces that have the virus on them, like a doorknob, then touching your face before washing your hands.
• Direct contact with an infected person, such as shaking hands.

What Immunizations are Available?

Annual flu vaccine: Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year. There are different types of flu vaccines, including:

• Standard- dose flu vaccines
• Nasal spray vaccines (for some people ages 2-49 years)
• High-dose vaccines for adults 65 and older

The flu vaccine is updated each year to protect against the three main strains of flu A and B viruses expected to circulate most widely and cause illness among people during the upcoming flu season, based on expert research and global surveillance. 

When Should You Get the Flu Vaccine?

• It is recommended to get vaccinated against COVID before Halloween, October 31st of each year, but the flu vaccine is available throughout the respiratory season. 

To learn more about flu, visit:

• https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/illness-and-disease-z/flu

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 that can affect more than your lungs and respiratory system. 

Common symptoms include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Loss of tase or smell
• Sore throat
• Muscle or body aches

Anyone can get COVID-19, including healthy people. While many recover without complications, COVID-19 can lead to serious illness, hospitalization, or long-term symptoms (sometimes called long COVID), especially in people at higher risk. This includes older adults aged 65 years and older, people of any age with underlying medical conditions, chronic health conditions, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

How it Spreads:

COVID-19 spreads mainly through respiratory droplets when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. These droplets that contain virus can be:

• Be inhaled by other people
• Land on others’ eyes, nose, or mouth
• Settle on surfaces like a doorknob, which can then transfer the virus when someone touches the surface and then touches their face without washing their hands

What Immunizations are Available ?

An updated vaccine targeting new variants recommended for most adults ages 18 and older.

For children ages 6 months to 17 years, and for adults who are currently pregnant, the Washington Department of Health continues to recommend everyone receive the current COVID-19 vaccines to protect against severe illness. If you have questions, please consult your healthcare provider.

When Should You Get the COVID Vaccine?

Ask your provider about your eligibility.

To learn more about COVID, visit:

• https://doh.wa.gov/emergencies/covid-19?utm_source=google&utm_medium=search&utm_campaign=covidgeneral&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22065921830&gbraid=0AAAAApSdJHeLY3jMi0A5NIe0Qu6MnYrHl&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIidT88oaBjgMVkAytBh12vhSAEAAYASAAEgJ2-vD_BwE