Fall has arrived, and so has respiratory virus season. The three main epidemics from October to May are COVID-19, influenza, and RSV.
Vaccines for this virus are now available at most pharmacies, but you may be wondering if you can get all three at the same time.
Infectious Diseases Dr. Emma Dischner of the Dallas County Medical Association has the answers.
“Yes, the RSV vaccine can be given with any routine vaccine, including COVID-19 and influenza,” Dischner said.
But not everyone needs the RSV vaccine, which is up to 80% effective in preventing hospitalization and emergency room visits, she added.
The CDC says it’s recommended for people 60 and older with medical conditions.
Everyone over age 75 and pregnant women entering their third trimester this fall should receive the vaccine.
The number of emergency room visits for COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus began to rise at this time last year, according to data from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
The number of infections peaked in December, peaked again in February, and bottomed out in May.
The elderly and young children are most at risk of developing severe disease.
“If you’re feeling high, wash your hands, stay home or wear a mask around your loved ones, and I would encourage people to stay up-to-date on vaccines,” Dischner said.
Pediatric infectious disease expert Dr. Carla García Carreno added that RSV antibody treatment is available for certain infants.
To tell the difference between the symptoms of influenza, coronavirus, and RSV, you can use this information chart from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.
(National Foundation for Infectious Diseases)
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