Within our Walls: Influenza, RSV season

‘Tis the season for celebrating with family and friends. It is also the season for emerging cases of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). We at CHI St. Alexius Health Carrington want to help you stay happy and healthy this holiday season. Let’s take a look at what influenza and RSV are, and what you can do to try to prevent contracting and/or spreading the viruses.

Influenza, also called the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. People suffering from influenza often present with a fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue. It is important to know that not everyone with the flu will have a fever. The flu virus spreads mainly by droplets made when someone with the flu coughs, sneezes or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Sometimes, a person might become infected if they touch a surface or object that has the flu virus on it and then touch their own mouth, eyes or nose. Individuals with the flu can be contagious for at least one day before symptoms start, and as long as five to seven days after becoming sick. The single best way to prevent the flu is to get your flu vaccine. You can also help prevent the spread of the flu virus by washing your hands often, staying home when you do not feel well and avoiding touching your hands to your face. Flu season can fall anywhere from October to May. However, it usually peaks between January and March. If you have not received your flu vaccine yet this year we encourage you to do so, it is never too late to get vaccinated.

RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Symptoms of RSV usually include runny nose, decreased appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever and wheezing. These symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once. In very young infants with RSV, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity and breathing difficulties. The RSV virus spreads mainly by droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The droplets produced may land in the eyes, nose or mouth of people who are nearby. It is also transmitted through direct contact such as kissing the face of a child with RSV. It can also be transmitted through touching surfaces that may have the virus on it, such as a doorknob. People infected with RSV are usually contagious for three to eight days and may become contagious a day or two before they start showing signs of illness. New vaccines have been developed to help prevent RSV. If you would like an RSV vaccine, please reach out to your provider’s office or public health. You can help prevent the spread of RSV by covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper sleeve. Individuals are also encouraged to wash your hands often with soap and water, avoid close contact with others such as kissing, shaking hands, and sharing of cups and eating utensils, and clean frequently-touched surfaces. RSV is normally seen in the fall and winter months.

CHI St. Alexius Health Carrington is here to help you stay healthy. If you or a loved one becomes ill with either of these viruses, our medical staff is trained to care for you. Our clinic is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and our emergency room is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.