In light of the upcoming fall season, fast rising concerns about potential simultaneous spikes in COVID-19, the flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have been flagged by seasoned infectious disease specialist, Dr. Michelle Barron.
As the Senior Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Control at UCHealth, she predicts a particularly challenging fall and winter due to simultaneous circulation of these three infectious diseases. Traditionally, acute respiratory illnesses surge between November and March, with the flu leading in terms of hospitalizations. Recent data from the Southern Hemisphere, specifically Australia, suggest an early onset of the season from as early as November.
Besides adequate hand hygiene and refraining from venturing outdoors when ill, Dr. Barron emphatically emphasizes the importance of early vaccination as the most effective line of defense, especially for children and senior individuals. The flu can technically occur at any time of the year, but there is traditionally an obvious peak during December. As such, with potential early onset this year, she entreats individuals to remain vigilant of any ensuing flu symptoms or slashing outbreaks.
To further curtail the number of hospitalizations, flu vaccines will be made widely available in the coming week. Persistent coughing, often leading to breathing difficulties, marks the presence of the dreaded RSV illness. It primarily affects both infants and older individuals with chronic lung diseases or compromised immune systems.
After enduring one of the worst seasons of RSV, luckily, an FDA-approved vaccine for the disease is now available for individuals aged 60 and above, and pregnant women in their last trimester. COVID-19’s latest variant, a descendent of the omicron variant, though not significantly severe, is highly infectious. To mitigate the spread, a monovalent vaccine addressing the XBB.1.5 omicron variant, will soon be available in late September or early October. While Paxlovid and remdesivir remain effective against severe infections, monoclonal antibodies no longer feature as a viable treatment.
It’s advisable for all Colorado inhabitants to receive both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines as soon as they become available, preferably with the flu vaccine administered first.
Barron reminds the public to differentiate between the symptoms of the common cold and these three menacing viruses. Though all symptomatically similar, include frequent thorough sanitation of surfaces, proper hand hygiene, and masking-up during large gatherings in your infection control arsenal.
Furthermore, stay informed with reliable sources such as news outlets or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in order to mitigate the propagation of misleading information.
Source: https://www.greeleytribune.com/2023/09/04/we-know-that-vaccines-work-uchealth-experts-warn-of-multiple-viruses-circulating-in-colder-months/