Several factors are combining to point to a severe season ahead for respiratory illnesses. The good news is that there’s still time to take steps to reduce your chances of developing serious complications from seasonal flu, RSV, pneumonia and other viruses. That starts with getting any vaccines you may need.
Dr. Zach Baeseman, a Family Medicine Physician with ThedaCare Physicians-Waupaca and -Wild Rose, discusses what’s ahead and what you can do now to protect yourself, your loved ones and the community.
“I think it’s going to be a pretty robust respiratory season this year, and it probably will be more than in the past couple of years,” Dr. Baeseman says.
Respiratory Illness FAQs
Let’s explore some common questions:
1. What are we seeing so far?
It’s early in the respiratory season, and we’re not seeing high activity yet. Numbers are expected to increase with the holiday season ahead, Dr. Baeseman says. High flu activity in the Southern Hemisphere during its season could indicate the same to come for the Northern Hemisphere.
2. Why is this season looking more severe?
“After several years of less-severe seasons, we’re likely to see a return to more typical respiratory patterns,” Dr. Baeseman says.
A couple of factors are at play. During the COVID-19 pandemic, people stayed apart and took more measures to remain well. That’s since relaxed. “People’s immune systems generally are not as strong as they have been,” Dr. Baeseman says.
In addition, milder winters the past couple of years have led to people spending less time than usual indoors. More time spent inside, in close quarters with others leads to a greater likelihood of illness spreading. This winter, so far, has brought colder temperatures and more precipitation.
3. What vaccines do I need?
Flu shot
It’s crucial for everyone ages 6 months and older to get the annual flu shot. “Influenza is a vaccination that’s been around for years,” Dr. Baeseman says. “It’s highly effective at decreasing symptoms and preventing illness, which ultimately prevents spread of disease.”
It’s true that the annual flu shot isn’t always a perfect match for the strains circulating each season. That’s because viruses continuously mutate. It’s still crucial to get vaccinated, Dr. Baeseman says. Doing so has been proven to decrease symptom severity and duration.
RSV Vaccine
Certain groups should get the RSV vaccine. RSV is especially dangerous for newborns, Dr. Baeseman says. Pregnant people should get vaccinated during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy. Babies who are born at least two weeks after their mother gets an RSV vaccine are protected at birth, when they’re at the highest risk of severe RSV disease.
Other groups recommended to get the RSV vaccine include: babies 12 months and younger; adults 75 or older; adults between the ages of 60 and 74 at increased risk for RSV; people with heart and lung disease; and anyone with a weakened immune system.
Pneumonia Vaccine
The pneumococcal vaccine covers against 20 bacterial pneumonia strains. Those recommended to get the vaccine include children younger than age 5; children 5-18 with certain health risk factors; individuals 19-49 with certain health risk factors; and all adults ages 50-plus.
“Getting vaccinated helps prevent hospitalizations and deaths,” Dr. Baeseman says.
You can get any needed vaccines at several ThedaCare locations, including retail pharmacies, primary care clinics and dedicated vaccine clinics. Schedule online for your convenience.
4. What else can I do to avoid illness?
- Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently. Use warm water and soap and scrub for at least 20 seconds. Hand sanitizer can work in a pinch. Especially wash before eating and prepping food; after using the bathroom; and after spending time in public places such as schools and stores.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet, stay hydrated and get seven to nine hours of sleep per night.
- If you’re sick, stay home from gatherings, work and school until you’re fever-free and feel better.
5. How do I know when to get care if I do get sick?
Rest, over-the-counter pain medications and comfort measures will get most people through many illnesses. Sleep, rest, and drink lots of water and warm liquids.
Signs that could indicate you need to seek medical care include: difficulty breathing; fever lasting more for more than three days; fever above 103 F; illnesses that don’t resolve after two weeks; and illnesses that improve and then worsen. If you have a compromised immune system or are at increased risk for severe illness, it’s also a good idea to check in.
When in doubt, it’s always good to contact your health care team. “Nurse triage is available 24/7,” Dr. Baeseman says.
Many people also ask how to tell between the common cold and flu.
“If getting a common cold is like getting punched, getting influenza is like getting hit by a truck,” Dr. Baeseman says. “You are really down and out for a week to two weeks with body aches, high fevers, feeling really lousy and a headache.”
6. Where can I go for care?
You can choose care with your primary care physician or advanced practice provider or someone from their team; urgent or walk-in care; or virtual care. Seek emergency care for severe symptoms such as severe shortness of breath; high fever for multiple days; dehydration; and inability to take in fluids.
Stay Well This Season
“While it’s impossible to avoid illness altogether, you can take many steps to increase your chances of staying well this season,” Dr. Baeseman says. “And if you do need care, our teams are always here for you.”
Connect to care with ease.
Use MyThedaCare to schedule vaccines, make an appointment, connect to virtual care or view urgent and walk-in care wait times.
