Flu, COVID-19, RSV
COVID-19
What is it?
COVID-19 is a contagious respiratory illness disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.
What does it do?
The COVID-19 virus can cause mild to severe respiratory illness.
How does it spread?
COVID-19 virus spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Droplets or tiny particles called aerosols carry the virus into the air from their nose or mouth. Anyone who is within 6 feet of that person can breathe it into their lungs.
Signs/Symptoms:
People who have COVID-19 often feel some or all these signs and symptoms: Fever, chills, sore throat, muscle aches and heavy arms or legs, severe fatigue or tiredness, runny or blocked nose, sneezing, headache, sore eyes, dizziness, new and persistent cough, tight chest or chest pain, shortness of breath, hoarse voice, numbness or tingling, appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or diarrhea, loss or change of sense of taste or smell, and difficulty sleeping.
Highest Risk Groups:
You are at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19 if you are 65 years and older and/or have certain medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, asthma, a weakened immune system, or a disease affecting your heart, lungs, or kidneys.
Prevention:
The first and most important step in preventing COVID-19 is to get a COVID-19 vaccine each year.
Why Vaccinate?
COVID-19 vaccines provide strong protection against severe illness and death. Although a person can still get COVID-19 after vaccination, they are more likely to have mild or no symptoms. Vaccines are also a safer, more dependable way to build immunity than catching a virus to build immunity. The COVID-19 vaccine is recommended annually, as the formula changes to provide better protection against the virus strains circulating in your community.
For More Information:
Check the CDC website: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) | CDC
Influenza (Flu)
(Mandatory for Preschools and Daycares, strongly recommended for all other children 6 months and older.)
What is it?
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus.
What does it do?
The flu virus can cause mild to severe respiratory illness.
How does it spread?
The flu virus largely spreads through tiny airborne water droplets, which are expelled when people cough, sneeze, or talk.
Signs/Symptoms:
People who have the flu often feel some or all these signs and symptoms: Fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue (tiredness). Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea (though this is more common in children than adults).
Highest Risk Groups:
You are at high risk for severe illness from the flu if you are 65 years and older and/or have certain medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, asthma, a weakened immune system, or a disease affecting your heart, lungs, or kidneys.
Prevention:
The first and most important step in preventing flu is to get a flu vaccine each year.
Why Vaccinate?
Vaccinating against the flu can help keep you from getting sick. Even if you do get sick after getting vaccinated, your symptoms will likely be mild. Vaccines are also a safer, more dependable way to build immunity than catching a virus to build immunity. The flu vaccine is recommended annually, as the formula changes to provide better protection against the virus strains circulating in your community.
For More Information:
Check the CDC website: About Influenza | Influenza (Flu) | CDC
RSV
What is it?
Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that is prevalent during the months of November through April.
What does it do?
RSV usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms.
How does it spread?
RSV spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes or has direct contact with others. People can also contract the illness by touching a contaminated surface.
Signs/Symptoms:
People infected with RSV usually show symptoms within 4 to 6 days after getting infected. Symptoms of RSV infection usually include: runny nose, congestion, decrease in appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever, and wheezing. These symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once. In very young infants with RSV, their only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties.
Highest Risk Groups:
Infants (younger than 6 months of age), older adults (65 and older), and/or adults who have certain medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, asthma, a weakened immune system, or a disease affecting your heart, lungs, or kidneys are more likely to develop severe RSV illness and possibly need hospitalization. In pregnant women, RSV can be passed to the fetus and increase the risk of complications.
Prevention:
The first and most important step in preventing RSV is to get vaccinated.
Why Vaccinate?
Vaccinating against RSV provides protection from severe respiratory illness and possible hospitalization. RSV vaccines are recommended for all adults ages 75 and older and for adults ages 60 – 74 who are at increased risk for severe RSV. There are two immunizations recommended to protect infants from severe RSV: a maternal RSV vaccine (Pfizer’s Abrysvo) given during weeks 32-36 of pregnancy, or an RSV antibody vaccine to be given to infants born during RSV season after birth.