Seasonable respiratory illnesses are on the rise. Here’s what you need to know.
The winter season brings its share of joys – the crisp air, cozy gatherings, and treasured moments with family. But it also brings challenges: seasonal respiratory illnesses like flu, walking pneumonia and RSV. Staying healthy isn’t always easy, especially when myths and misinformation cloud our understanding of these illnesses and the proven ways to prevent their spread.
Public Health is on the front lines, actively monitoring and responding to respiratory illnesses across New Jersey communities. By analyzing data from emergency departments and wastewater surveillance, we get a clearer picture of which illnesses are circulating and how to respond. Our mission is simple but vital: to create safe conditions that allow everyone to live their healthiest, most vibrant lives.
That doesn’t mean viruses and outbreaks won’t happen – during the respiratory season, we’re all at risk of catching a nasty bug. Even the healthiest among us can face severe illness. But here’s the good news: with some common-sense precautions, you can protect your family – and those around you – so everyone can stay safe and healthy this season.
Breaking down the Science
Let’s start with some basics: what are RSV, walking pneumonia and the flu – and what are the signs? We’ve got you covered:
Respiratory Syncytial Virus or RSV is a common respiratory virus in children under four. It causes symptoms similar to a cold, such as runny nose, cough, and fever, but in severe cases it can lead to bronchiolitis, pneumonia or other severe complications. Babies with RSV can be in hospital for weeks or even months. And it doesn’t only affect children – the majority of severe cases (and deaths) are in adults over 65 – especially those with underlying heart conditions or lung disease and respiratory conditions. In fact, it’s estimated 100,000–150,000 adults ages 60 and older in the United States are hospitalized due to RSV.
Walking Pneumonia is a mild but contagious form of pneumonia often caused by mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria. Symptoms include a persistent cough, sore throat, fatigue, and sometimes fever. With walking pneumonia, sufferers may appear to recover, only for symptoms like fatigue, fever, and coughing to return just hours later, making it tricky to spot and treat early. Unlike typical pneumonia, individuals often remain ambulatory (hence “walking”). Similar to other respiratory illnesses, it is caused by droplets, making respiratory etiquette important in stopping the chain of infection.
The flu, also known as influenza, is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs. It’s most common in the winter months with cases going up dramatically from October through to May. Certain health conditions like diabetes or asthma can put people at higher risk for severe illness from the flu – including life-threatening complications that require hospitalization.
Keep your family protected.
Concerned about keeping your family safe and happy? We get it. With so much information out there it’s hard to identify the truth. Your best bet: get your medical advice from your health care provider or other trusted medical sources. Here are a few common questions we hear from residents:
Do you need to get a flu shot every year?
The influenza virus changes from year to year – getting vaccinated annually ensures you have immunity to the strains most likely to cause an outbreak. The flu isn’t just a bad cold, it’s a virus that should be taken very seriously, regardless of your age or physical condition. Even a mild case can keep you in bed for days. The flu can cause serious complications and even deaths in vulnerable populations. In fact, up to 40,000 Americans die from influenza and its complications in an average year. As the CDC says, “A flu vaccine can take flu from wild to mild.”
Do vaccines keep you from getting sick?
Vaccines don’t always prevent you from getting a virus – but they do make you less sick. The more people that are vaccinated, the less likely a pathogen is to spread to those who are immunocompromised or at risk of developing severe complications. And rest assured – vaccines are some of the most tested, monitored and regulated medicines that we have access to. Thousands of hours of research by scientists, doctors and experts go into each vaccine. And even after a vaccine is released to the public, it’s closely monitored. Simply stated, vaccines save lives.
Do doctors make money from vaccines?
Healthcare providers make little or no money for giving vaccines. In fact, some doctors make less money when providing vaccines because the administrative costs exceed the reimbursement they receive from insurers and health plans. Healthcare providers and Public Health workers go through years of training and are experts in their field. Health care providers make recommendations based on scientific research, and the proven benefits and safety of vaccines.
At the end of the day, trust your gut – you know what’s best for your children and your family and you know how to keep them safe. And if you have questions or concerns, reach out to your healthcare provider who has the necessary education, experience and expertise to advise you.
Prevention: What Can Families Do to Stay Healthy?
With viruses like the flu, most people get better on their own. But not everyone. An annual flu shot can help protect against the flu and lowers the chances of having severe complications. Children aged 6 to 59 months attending child-care or preschool in New Jersey must get at least one flu shot each year between September 1 and December 31.
It’s also recommended that pregnant women receive an RSV vaccine during weeks 32-36 of pregnancy. This can provide much needed protection for both themselves and their newborns – particularly if they are born during RSV season. The CDC also recommends anyone age 75 or older receive an RSV vaccine, or anyone age 60–74 who are at increased risk of complications from RSV.
With any virus, rest and hydration are crucial. If you have to go out into public or spend time with others, wear a mask. Encourage your children to cover their coughs and sneezes and wash hands regularly (for at least 20 seconds – or the amount of time it takes to sing Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star) before they touch their face, eat or interact with others.
We encourage people to stay home if they are feeling unwell – getting someone else sick is the last thing you want to do. If you’re an employer, encourage your workers to stay home and provide sick leave.
And remember: You know your child best – if you notice anything alarming, contact your healthcare provider immediately. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.