Prepare for respiratory virus season

This fall and winter, expect flu, COVID-19 and RSV to be circulating along with the usual colds and bugs.

Each year, the flu vaccine is updated to match the circulating flu viruses. Typically flu vaccines protect against the three or four viruses that research suggests will be most common for that flu season. Since flu viruses are constantly changing, the vaccine is updated to provide the best protection.

“You want the flu vaccine to protect you throughout the entire flu season,” said Jennifer Dowell, registered nurse and Clinical Services Division Administrator at Panhandle Health District. “If you receive the vaccine too early, your protection against the flu virus could wane before the end of flu season.”

The best time to receive your flu vaccine is late September or through October. Everyone 6 months and older is recommended to receive a flu vaccine annually.

Along with the flu, experts have been monitoring a new COVID-19 variant that has been emerging. Other parts of the world and the U.S. are seeing a slight wave and there is a possibility that wave could grow this winter. New this fall, is an updated COVID-19 vaccine that will provide better protection against the latest variants.

“Similar to how the flu vaccine is altered each year to be more effective and targeted to fight the viruses that are circulating,” Dowell said, "the COVID vaccine will follow that process to offer the best protection as well. Viruses alter and change because they want to survive. This constant evolution is completely normal and expected.”

The COVID vaccines are specific to age groups, so consult with a provider to know what vaccine is right.

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is also expected to circulate this season. RSV is common and typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, infants and older adults can experience a more severe illness and may need to be hospitalized. According to the CDC, each year, approximately 60,000-160,000 older adults in the U.S. are hospitalized due to RSV and 6,000-10,000 die of the infection.

There is an RSV vaccine available for adults aged 60 or older. Speak to a healthcare provider about receiving the RSV vaccine.

In addition to available vaccines, everyday preventive actions can stop the spread of these viruses:

• Stay home if you are sick

• Cover coughs and sneezes

• Wash your hands often with soap

• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects

PHD offers flu, RSV, and COVID vaccines by appointment at their locations in Hayden, Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry, St. Maries and Kellogg.