What You Need to Know with Upper Respiratory Illness on the Rise
1/11/2024
TUCSON, AZ (Jan. 11, 2024) – If it seems like more people are getting sick each day – it’s not your imagination. Diagnoses of flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are on the rise across the U.S. The CDC trackers show flu activity to be elevated here in Arizona, with more people visiting the Emergency Department and/or needing hospitalizations for treatment of severe symptoms.
If you become ill, it’s important to know that the symptoms for each of the three conditions are similar, and can signal a medical emergency. All can cause mild to severe illness – and all can lead to complications such as pneumonia or sepsis, which can be life-threatening.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, emergency warning signs that accompany flu and COVID-19 include difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen; and confusion. Additional dangerous flu symptoms include persistent dizziness; inability to awaken; seizures; not urinating; severe muscle pain; severe weakness or unsteadiness; fever or cough that improve but then return or worsen; and worsening of other chronic medical conditions. If you or someone you know have any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately.
There’s still time to get vaccinated for flu, COVID-19, and RSV to protect yourself and others – and it is safe to get all three shots at the same time.
Other strategies to reduce the spread of respiratory diseases during this busy season include:
- Washing your hands often.
- Covering your coughs and sneezes.
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth (especially with unwashed hands).
- Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Staying home when you are sick with respiratory symptoms (except to get medical care).
“The holidays brought us together in more social settings than usual, making them a perfect breeding ground for illness,” says Dr. Jonny Neilson, M.D., a pediatrician who works with Family Medicine specialists at Northwest Primary Care at Fountain Plaza. “Vaccination is a key way to reduce your risk of illness, but common sense is still important when it comes to protecting yourself.”
Those at the highest risk of serious illness from flu or COVID-19 include babies and toddlers; the elderly; pregnant women; and people with chronic health conditions, including asthma, diabetes, heart disease and obesity.
People ages 60 years and older should talk to their healthcare provider about whether RSV vaccination is right for them as well. Older adults, adults with chronic heart or lung disease, with weakened immune systems or living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities are at the highest risk for RSV illness.
“Your physician can test to determine whether the flu, COVID-19 or RSV virus is causing your illness and what treatment will be beneficial,” Dr. Neilson continues. “Seek medical care immediately if you are experiencing extreme symptoms such as difficulty breathing, shortness of breath or confusion.”
If you need to find a primary care provider, please visit MyTucsonDoc.com.
Northwest Healthcare offers Live Healthy, a free e-newsletter with a monthly dose of health and wellness inspiration sent directly to your inbox. Sign up at healthiertucson.com/enewsletter-sign-up.
Sources
- CDC.gov – Influenza (Flu) and COVID Data Tracker
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