Immunizations help protect against flu, COVID and RSV this season

As we spend more time inside during the fall and winter, rates of respiratory diseases, such as influenza, COVID and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) tend to increase. These illnesses can cause cold-like symptoms that are uncomfortable to some but can cause serious illness or death in vulnerable populations, like children, elders and the immunocompromised. It is even possible to be infected with more than one of these illnesses at the same time.

Immunizations are the most effective way to protect yourself and those around you from infection. In Bethel, call 907-543-6442 to schedule an appointment to get your vaccines. In villages, call your health clinic.

Learn more about each of these illnesses and immunizations below.

Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that can infect the nose, throat and lungs. The illness usually lasts 5-7 days, but symptoms can linger for 6 weeks. Symptoms can include dehydration, pneumonia and worsening of underlying illness like COPD or other lung and heart conditions.

Everyone 6 months of age and older is eligible to receive flu vaccination. Those ages 65 years and older can receive a high-dose flu shot for extra protection.

The current flu vaccine covers three strains. Staying up to date with the flu vaccine provides 40%-60% reduces risk of flu illness by 40-60%. It lowers the severity of your sickness - you won't get as sick. You'll recover more quickly and you're less likely to be hospitalized. Multiple studies show that flu vaccination can significantly reduce children's risk of dying from flu.

COVID-19 most often causes respiratory symptoms that can feel much like a cold, the flu, or pneumonia. But COVID-19 may attack more than your lungs and respiratory system. Other parts of your body may also be affected by the disease. Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some people become severely ill. Anyone infected with COVID-19 can spread it, even if they do not have symptoms. Some people, including those with minor or no symptoms, will develop post-COVID conditions, also called "Long COVID."

There are treatments for COVID-19 that can be highly effective if taken within 5 days of symptoms starting. Call 907-543-6949 or your local clinic for more information about accessing treatment.

COVID vaccines are offered to everyone ages 6 months and older. If you have recently been infected, it's recommended to wait 4-6 months before getting the updated vaccines. This guidance may differ for individuals with immunocompromising conditions. Check the CDC website for more specific guidance.

COVID vaccines have been updated for fall 2024 to be effective against variants expected to be circulating this fall and winter. Staying up to date on your COVID vaccine provided about a 60% increase in protection and results are expected to be similar this year.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a respiratory virus that causes cold-like symptoms.

Most people infected with RSV usually show symptoms within 4 to 6 days after getting infected. Symptoms of RSV infection usually include: runny nose, decrease in appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever and wheezing. These symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once. In very young infants with RSV, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity or breathing difficulties.

All infants under 8 months, and Alaska Native infants under 20 months, are strongly encouraged to receive monoclonal antibody for protection against RSV.

The monoclonal antibody (MAB), Beyfortus (nirsevimab), provides direct antibodies against RSV to infants, unlike a vaccine, which teaches the body to produce an immune response. Real-world data from the YK Delta showed that this was highly effective (~80%) at preventing serious illness from RSV, and likely even higher at protecting against hospitalization.

Everyone 60 and older may get the RSV vaccine; anyone 75 and older should get the vaccine. Pregnant people can receive the vaccine during 32-36 weeks of pregnancy from September through April.

In addition to vaccines, there are other things we can do to protect ourselves and increase our chances of staying healthy this season.

• If you are sick from a respiratory virus, limit your interactions for at least 24 hours after your symptoms improve and you have not had a fever without taking fever-reducing medication. For the first five days after symptoms have resolved, consider wearing a well-fitting mask, distancing from others, and getting tested. You may still be contagious.

• Certain viruses can be spread through surfaces. Washing your hands often and cleaning and disinfecting surfaces can be helpful to prevent sickness.

• Ventilation and HEPA air filters improve indoor air quality and can reduce infection indoors.

• Lab tests are widely available and can be readily accessed for common viruses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV. At-home tests for SARS-CoV-2 are widely available and may be picked up from the security desk at the hospital. In villages, schedule a test at your local clinic. If you test positive for COVID-19, call 907-543-6420, or your local clinic for more information.

Gathering with friends and loved ones can be a highlight of the winter season. For the best protection during events, make sure everyone in your family has the increased protection of vaccination against flu and COVID - and those over age 60, younger than 6 months or pregnant are vaccinated against RSV.

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