With autumn arriving and winter just around the corner, the challenges of flu season are upon us and now is the time to get your vaccines. An infectious disease specialist shares the information you need to navigate influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) symptoms and vaccination benefits.
“There’s no doubt that vaccines save lives,” says Edwin Vargas, MD, an infectious disease specialist at OhioHealth. “Thousands of people die each year as a result of flu or COVID-19 infections, but we have the means and ability to prevent serious complications for many people.”
How do the vaccines work?
Vaccines are designed to target and help your immune system fight off specific diseases and viruses including influenza, COVID-19 and, more recently, RSV.
“People often think vaccines keep you from becoming infected with a virus. When people get a shot and later become sick, they think the vaccine failed or that it’s ineffective,” says Dr. Vargas. “The truth is vaccines are designed to prevent hospitalization, death or severe complications.”
COVID-19 vaccines make use of mRNA and protein-based technology. They work by exposing your immune system to a component similar to the targeted virus and three injections are needed for full immunity. Like the flu vaccine, the new RSV vaccine is a single shot that introduces an inactive protein to help your body recognize and later attack the targeted virus. Dr. Vargas says the vaccines do not contain a live virus and they do not transmit the virus.
“You may develop a local reaction after having a vaccine, run a fever, experience body aches, headaches and tiredness for a day or two. Chills and swollen lymph nodes can also occur. This is the result of stimulating your immune system, not infection with a virus,” he explains. “It’s also not true that mRNA vaccines become integrated into your DNA. Vaccines are regulated as a medication by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and they go through rigorous testing. People should feel reassured the ingredients are very safe.”
Who should get the flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines?
Dr. Vargas says that the very young and the elderly are most at risk for serious complications from these three viruses, along with people who have compromised immune systems or chronic medical conditions such as diabetes. People of any age are eligible for flu and COVID-19 vaccines, while the new RSV vaccine is recommended for people over the age of 60 and women who are 32 to 36 weeks pregnant.
Because viruses are constantly changing and mutating to survive, it’s essential that you get vaccinated each year against influenza. Dr. Vargas explains that the original three shots of the COVID-19 vaccine provide the greatest protection from the virus, but that subsequent COVID-19 vaccines adapted to variants can also offer an immunity boost. While research confirms that it’s safe to get a flu and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time, there are currently no guidelines on whether a waiting period for the new RSV vaccine is necessary.
Flu, COVID-19 and RSV: what’s the difference?
With so many overlapping symptoms, it can be difficult to tell if you have flu, COVID-19 or RSV. You can test for COVID-19 at home, but flu and RSV require a visit to your medical provider for diagnosis. While flu and RSV are more common in the winter months, COVID-19 is frequently seen all year.
Common symptoms of influenza:
- Body aches
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Nausea and vomiting (more likely in children)
- Sudden onset of symptoms
Common symptoms of RSV in adults:
- Mild fever
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Body aches
- Fatigue
- Cough
- Stuffy or runny nose
“RSV shares many symptoms with the common cold, and the two are easily confused,” says Dr. Vargas. “The virus can cause wheezing as well as difficulty breathing and even progress into pneumonia. However, no matter which virus you have, if you develop worsening respiratory symptoms you need to see your medical provider for treatment. This is especially true for young children and our senior populations.”
Common symptoms of COVID-19:
- Fever
- Body aches
- Loss of taste and/or smell
- Cough
- Fatigue
Dr. Vargas says it’s possible to have more than one virus at the same time or to become sick with one virus and immediately become infected with another. Coinfection and back-to-back illnesses can leave people more likely to develop complications, which is why vaccinations are so important.
An ounce of prevention
When it comes to avoiding flu, COVID-19 or RSV, vaccination is your best defense. However, Dr. Vargas stresses that it’s not the only step you can take to protect yourself and your family.
- Wash your hands with soap and warm, running water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer before eating or touching your mouth, after sneezing or blowing your nose, using the restroom or coming into contact with someone who is ill.
- If you are sick, stay home and wear a mask to avoid infecting others.
- Choose to wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth while spending time in a crowded public place.
- Keep your distance from others when possible.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides weekly flu and RSV statistics that you can use to understand viral trends in your community. A new wastewater surveillance program also monitors for COVID-19 variants in specific communities.
“We have many excellent methods to prevent serious complications from flu, COVID-19 and now, RSV,” says Dr. Vargas. “Vaccines are game changers when it comes to disease prevention and there are many benefits to getting vaccinated. It’s an easy way to keep ourselves and our loved ones as safe as possible from these common viruses.”
If you want to discuss which vaccines are right for you, and are looking for a primary care doctor in your area, check out our Find a Doctor page. And, listen to an episode of The Wellness Conversation about this topic here.
