Respiratory illness reminders

The beginning of the fall season is often when respiratory viruses begin to increase in circulation. Dr. Pedro Piedra, professor of molecular virology and microbiology at Baylor College of Medicine, shares reminders about how to protect yourself from respiratory illnesses during this time and throughout the entire year.  

“It’s back-to-school season, and children are excellent vectors for transmitting a variety of respiratory viruses, and they come in particular phases,” Piedra said.  

He added that we are currently seeing an increase in SARS-CoV-2 (COVID) cases. Usually after COVID there is a wave of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases, which affects very young and older populations, as well as those with underlying diseases.  

“After RSV comes influenza. Last year, influenza came earlier and was very broad,” Piedra said. “We don’t know whether that is going to happen again this year, but chances are that we need to protect ourselves as if it is going to happen.”  

COVID, RSV and flu can all be deadly. They share the following symptoms:  

• Sore throat. 
• Fever or chills. 
• Fatigue.  
• Cough.  
• Runny or a stuffy nose.  

Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself against these viruses.  

“They are one of the best tools that we have to prevent serious diseases,” Piedra said. “Because SARS-CoV-2 is coming earlier than it used to, I wouldn’t wait until late fall or winter to get the vaccine.”  

He adds that there is now an RSV vaccine approved for those aged 60 and older, as well as for those 18-59 years old with underlying heart, lung and other diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adults 75 years of age and older, and adults 50-74 years of age at increased risk of severe illness receive a single dose of the RSV vaccine. If you’ve never been vaccinated for RSV, consider doing so. For the flu, the CDC recommends the vaccine for everyone six months of age and older.  

“We have an updated [flu] vaccine where all the vaccine components are updated to better prepare us against what might be circulating. These vaccines are available at your local pharmacy or your physician’s office,” Piedra said.  

For more information on flu vaccines, click here.  

Antiviral medications are available for COVID and influenza infections, including breakthrough infections. Antiviral medications must be used early in the infection to be effective in relieving symptoms faster and reducing transmission. Talk with your physician about whether you would benefit from antiviral treatment if you were to be infected with COVID or influenza.

“Viruses and bacteria are easily transmitted from individual to individual,” Piedra said.

In addition to vaccines and antiviral therapy, practice good hygiene, like washing your hands with soap and water and covering your mouth when you sneeze or cough.