Image description: A person in a gray shirt sits on a couch surrounded by pillows and a blanket while blowing their nose into a tissue.
As fall kicks into gear, it’s time to consider how to reduce your risk of catching and spreading respiratory viruses such as the flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in Hamilton County and throughout the Greater Cincinnati region.
Hamilton County Public Health, Cincinnati Health Department and Northern Kentucky Health Department are reminding residents throughout the region that these respiratory viruses make it difficult to breathe, are very contagious and can lead to long-term health issues. Respiratory viruses cause infection all year long but spread widely during the fall and winter, when people spend time together indoors.
Over the last several years, the region has seen spikes in respiratory illness-related hospitalizations, putting hospitals at capacity. And now, public health officials are preparing for another potentially severe respiratory season.
Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce your risk of hospitalization, including scientifically researched vaccines and good hygiene practices.
“We always encourage getting your flu, RSV and COVID-19 vaccinations in the fall so that you have time to build full immunity before the holidays, but really, anytime is the right time. These are contagious respiratory viruses that could cause long-term health complications for you and your loved ones,” says Dr. Stephen Feagins, medical director at Hamilton County Public Health. “We’re fortunate to have proven vaccines to provide protection so that you can stay healthy and safely enjoy time with your family and friends.”
Read on for more about reducing the risk of respiratory illnesses for you and your loved ones, and find more information about respiratory viruses on Hamilton County Public Health’s fact sheet.
What respiratory illnesses should I know?
There are many respiratory illnesses caused by viruses or bacteria, including rhinovirus/enterovirus (the common cold), parvovirus B19 (Fifth Disease), parainfluenza, adenovirus, mycoplasma pneumoniae and pneumococcal disease.
But the most common illnesses caused by respiratory viruses are influenza A/B (the flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19.
- Flu: People who have the flu often experience body aches, severe fatigue, and fever of 100°F or higher, along with symptoms common to most respiratory illnesses. People infected with the flu can feel very ill for anywhere from a few days to two weeks. Some people die from complications caused by the flu, including pneumonia.
- COVID-19: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms typically show 2-14 days after catching the virus. People who are presymptomatic for COVID-19 or who show no symptoms during their illness still can spread the virus to others.
- RSV: RSV causes acute respiratory infection and can be life-threatening for infants and older adults. It can cause infants and toddlers to have difficulty breathing, which may require mechanical ventilation. For children under one year old, RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
The flu, RSV and COVID-19 all cause similar symptoms, including a runny nose, sore throat, cough, headache, congestion, and loss of appetite. Additional symptoms include fever, aches, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, and wheezing. Because many symptoms overlap all three illnesses, your doctor or healthcare provider may order lab tests to determine which respiratory illness you have and develop a treatment plan.
Will I get the flu, RSV or COVID-19?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), respiratory illnesses typically are among the top 10 causes of death in the United States.
Anyone can catch a respiratory virus and develop a severe respiratory illness, including people who are healthy, young or physically active.
People with additional risks:
- Pregnant people
- Infants and children aged 5 and under
- Adults aged 65 and older
- People with health issues such as asthma; diabetes; disabilities or disorders; chronic heart, kidney or lung disease; or a weakened immune system from HIV, cancer or organ transplantation
Respiratory illnesses are very dangerous for infants and young children, whose immune systems are still in development. For children under one year old, RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
Should I get vaccine for the flu, RSV or COVID-19?
Respiratory viruses that cause the flu, RSV and COVID-19 are very contagious. They spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks or exhales virus-loaded droplets or particles. People then become sick after inhaling those particles or touching the surfaces where they land, like countertops, door handles and even someone’s skin.
For most people, annual immunizations are the best way to protect against respiratory illnesses like the flu, RSV and COVID-19. Vaccines are reviewed and updated to protect against the latest viral mutations each year.
Immunizations don’t guarantee avoiding a respiratory illness, but they significantly lessen someone’s chances of becoming severely ill, needing hospitalization or dying.
“Being current with these vaccinations meaningfully reduces your chance of a serious illness and the potential that you’ll have to be hospitalized from these viruses,” says Dr. Grant Mussman, health commissioner at Cincinnati Health Department. “While these vaccinations cannot guarantee you won’t get sick, it’s important to know which vaccines are recommended for you and your family and getting those vaccinations early enough so that your immune system has up-to-date protection before you need it.”
Healthcare professionals strongly recommend that most people get the vaccines each fall as the indoor season begins, and getting all of them during the same visit is safe. It takes about two weeks to build full immunity and become fully effective.
For children, vaccination recommendations vary with age. The American Academy provides recommendations for immunizing children against influenza, RSV, COVID-19 and other infections and diseases.
Talk with your healthcare provider about vaccine eligibility and recommendations for you and your family.
How can I avoid the flu, RSV and COVID-19?
You may not be able to fully avoid the flu, RSV, COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, but you can reduce your risk of catching them and reduce their severity.
“Respiratory viruses like the flu, COVID, and RSV can create serious—even deadly—health problems. People seem to forget that thousands die from the flu each year,” says Dr. Jennifer Mooney, director of health at Northern Kentucky Health Department. “Getting vaccinated is the single best defense we have. But don’t just take our word for it — ask your doctor.”
To reduce the risk of respiratory illnesses, healthcare providers generally recommend the following:
- Get updated vaccinations according to your doctor’s recommendations.
- Stay home if you feel sick.
- Wash your hands frequently with water and soap. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Fully cover your coughs and sneezes.
- Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces.
- Circulate fresh air by opening windows or using an air purifier.
- Take additional precautions around people who are at higher risk for severe illness.
For more information, download Hamilton County Public Health’s fact sheet about respiratory viruses and respiratory illnesses.