// Follow Us
As we approach colder days ahead, it is important to be aware that respiratory illnesses, including influenza, Covid-19, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and more are prone to spread. Some tips to help stay healthy this season include staying up-to-date on your vaccines, washing your hands often, and talking with your doctor about the best ways to protect yourself.
Learn about common respiratory viruses below:
A respiratory infection of your nose, sinuses, and throat caused by viruses spread person-to-person. Symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, headache, sore throat, cough, congestion. Cold symptoms last 1-3 days, while others take longer to resolve. You’re most contagious the first three days of symptoms. As there is no treatment for the common cold, it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids, rest, and manage symptoms with over-the-counter medications. There is no vaccine for the common cold.
A contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that affect the nose, throat, and occasionally the lungs. Symptoms arise suddenly and include fever, feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue and vomiting/diarrhea (most common in children). Testing is recommended for those who are high risk for complications, including people age 65 and older, anyone living with a chronic medical condition such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, pregnant women and children younger than 5. The most important step in preventing flu is to get a flu vaccine every year to help reduce the risk of severe illness and complications.
A contagious viral disease spread through droplets from an infected individual. Symptoms appear 2-12 days after exposure and can range in severity. Symptoms include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, sore throat, congestion/runny nose, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. Those at high risk for severe Covid-19 include people over the age of 65 and those living with underlying medical conditions. High-risk individuals are recommended to get tested as soon as possible to start an antiviral treatment to help lower the chances of acquiring severe illness. The Covid-19 vaccine is available and directed for individuals over the age of 65, those living with certain medical conditions, and others. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to see if the vaccine is right for you.
An infection of the lungs and respiratory tract that causes cold-like symptoms. RSV symptoms include runny nose, decreased appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever, and wheezing. Those who are at high risk for severe infection include older adults, those living with heart and lung disease, weakened immune systems, residents in living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities, and infants. Severe cases can progress to pneumonia or bronchiolitis. To prevent severe RSV, a single-dose vaccine is recommended for people over age 75, over 50 with certain risk factors, pregnant women, and newborns whose mothers didn’t receive the vaccine during pregnancy.
A highly contagious respiratory illness caused by bacterial infection spread person-to-person through coughing or sneezing. Pertussis symptoms appear 7-10 days after infection and include mild fever, runny nose, cough, red/watery eyes, sore throat, and nasal congestion. Babies and children who are not fully vaccinated are most likely to have serious complications. Symptoms can worsen 1-2 weeks after initial symptoms appear, including coughing fits, vomiting during/after coughing fits, extreme fatigue, and difficulty breathing. The vaccine is the best way to help protect against Pertussis and is offered beginning in infancy. A booster vaccine is recommended every 10 years for adults.
Learn more about respiratory viruses at the below sources:
For guidance on resources, treatment, vaccines, and more, please reach out directly to your provider(s).
Want to keep in touch with the latest information from Area Agency on Aging? Sign up for our newsletter and you’ll receive regular updates to your email inbox.
"*" indicates required fields