Flu shots and COVID boosters suggested by doctors for everyone age 6 months and over, and seniors, those at risk, and pregnant mothers to receive new RSV vaccines.
As the temperatures cool, it is a sign that respiratory virus season is quickly approaching. Doctors at Intermountain Health say the community has already started to see cold, flu, COVID, and RSV in our community, but the good news is that vaccines are available that will help prevent these diseases and keep people feeling healthy.
Influenza Vaccine or “Flu Shot”
Flu – or seasonal influenza – can cause a variety of symptoms from mild tiredness, cough and chills to more severe symptoms such as fever, body aches, nausea, and difficulty breathing.
The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone ages six months and older. For those individuals 65 and older or for adults 18-64 with solid organ transplant, a high dose vaccine is recommended.
Tamara Sheffield, MD, medical director for immunization programs for Intermountain Health, explained that this year’s flu vaccines will all be trivalent and will protect against an influenza A/H1N1 strain, like the one that caused the 2009 pandemic, an influenza A/H3N2 component and one influenza B strain.
“There are several different versions of the flu vaccines, from shots to nasal mists, along with formulations for older adults,” said Dr. Sheffield. “Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for the right version for you.”
September and October remain the best times to be vaccinated for most people. Influenza tends to circulate year-round but is mostly seen in the late fall through the winter.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus or RSV
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that poses serious health risks, especially to infants, young children, and the elderly.
There CDC has the following recommendation for those who need the RSV immunization:
- Everyone over 75 years of age.
- Adults ages 60-74 at increased risk of severe RSV.
- Adults 60-74 who are at increased risk include those with chronic heart or lung disease, certain other chronic medical conditions, and those who are residents of nursing homes or other long-term care facilities.
- Pregnant women, who should receive one dose during weeks 32 to 36 of pregnancy.
- All infants aged 8 months and younger born during or entering their first RSV season.
- Infants and children aged 8–19 months who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease and entering their second RSV season.
“Even with last year’s limited supplies, we saw a significant impact in reduced disease,” said Dr. Sheffield. “This year we are expecting to have more RSV vaccine. There are different RSV immunizations for each age group, so see your primary care doctor, pediatrician, or local health department to find the right type for you.
COVID-19
COVID symptoms are very similar to flu, and like influenza virus continues to evolve in new strains. The CDC works with vaccine manufacturers to update COVID vaccines just like they do for influenza. Also like the flu, the CDC recommends everyone ages 6 months and older receive an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine. Extensive testing has proven it is safe and affective to receive the COVID and flu vaccines in the same visit.
What Else Can I do to Stop the Spread of Disease?
The same prevention methods work to protect the spread of most respiratory viruses:
- Keep up to date on all of your vaccinations. Everyone in the family (over the age of 6 months) should get be vaccinated.
- Wash your hands often and well, and have children do the same.
- Cover your sneezes and coughs.
- Use a tissue once, then throw it away and wash your hands.
- If you’re sick, stay home from school or work. Wear a mask, being sure it covers your nose and mouth snuggly.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick, if possible.
The CDC also recommends being vaccinated against COVID and says both the influenza and COVID vaccines can be safely received at the same time.
For more information, see:
- https://intermountainhealthcare.org/flu
- http://intermountainhealthcare.org/vaccines.
- https://intermountainhealthcare.org/health-information/germwatch/germ-school/respiratory-syncytial-virus/
- https://intermountainhealthcare.org/COVID
- www.germwatch.com
- Or call your doctor’s office.
This is an article written by an employee of Intermountain Health in collaboration with Cedar Valley Sentinel. It is used with permission on Cedar Valley Sentinel. Copyright stays with Intermountain Health.