TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – As flu and respiratory infection season rapidly approaches, doctors continue to encourage vaccinations.
Although the coronavirus and influenza are not yet widespread, you should continue to take precautions.
Seasonal changes can affect our immune systems and make us sick, says Dr. Pretek Ghatazi, an infectious disease physician at the University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus.
“When we are infected with a virus and it enters our noses, our immune system tends to decline, and the lining of our noses tends to react to the virus in an attempt to remove it, but when the temperature is low, this mechanism is disrupted. It slows down a little bit,” Guttazzi said. .
For illnesses like influenza, COVID-19, and RSV, doctors recommend staying up-to-date on vaccines.
Dr. Jacob Clark, clinical supervisor for the Riley Health Department, said: “We are looking at the latest types of variants or versions that are circulating in the wild or predicted to be circulating in the wild this season. I’m getting it,” he said. Kansas County. “That’s why we’re giving these vaccines every year, because the flu we’re seeing this year is different than last year. The new coronavirus variants we’re seeing are , which is clearly different from last year.”
According to Dr. Clark, the symptoms of the flu and coronavirus may be similar.
“People who experience these symptoms go to urgent care or their primary care provider’s office who administers this test,” Dr. Clark said. “They often receive a panel or something called a respiratory virus panel, so rather than just testing for COVID-19, instead of just testing for influenza, they typically test for both, and then more. If so, we’ll also test for RSV. It’s very similar.”
Dr. Gartage says people should also be wary of pneumonia, a common lung infection.
“We talk so much about influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus that we tend to forget about common pneumonia and pneumococcal vaccines. So, again, for adults over 65 and other It is recommended for adults with health conditions, especially those who are at increased risk of developing lung infections,” Dr. Gartage said.
People at risk for pneumonia should talk to their doctor about the vaccine.
Other prevention methods include a healthy diet, exercise, proper hygiene, and rest.
These illnesses are usually spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
To get the latest vaccines, visit your local pharmacy or primary care provider.
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