No one wants to get sick with a respiratory virus and deal with the resulting discomfort, disruption and dirty tissues—ick.
But for people at high risk of complications from the flu, COVID-19, RSV and other viruses, getting sick isn’t an inconvenience. It can result in severe illness, hospitalization or even death.
“Anyone can have severe illness from these viruses,” says UNC Health family medicine physician Sarah Ruff, MD. “But people who are at high risk of complications because of age or chronic illness must exercise extra caution during winter sickness season.”
Dr. Ruff explains how to stay well.
Some Groups Face Higher Risk of Complications
COVID-19, the flu and RSV are distinct conditions, but there is significant overlap in which populations they threaten most.
Adults age 65 and older are at higher risk of complications, such as pneumonia, from all three viruses. Babies and very young children, especially under the age of 2, tend to be more vulnerable to the flu and RSV.
If you have a chronic condition such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, kidney disease or cancer, you are considered higher risk for all three conditions. You’re also considered high-risk if you are pregnant or have obesity.
If you fall into one of these groups, you’re at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill from a respiratory virus, which could lead to hospitalization. Even after you recover, your preexisting conditions may worsen.
“Even if you yourself feel low-risk, it’s important to remember those around you with whom you interact who may fall into the high-risk group,” Dr. Ruff says. “Getting vaccinated can help protect your children, parents and grandparents from getting severely ill as well.”
How to Stay Safe from COVID-19, the Flu and RSV
Staying healthy this winter as a high-risk person requires simple but important actions: get vaccinated and practice infection prevention measures.
Updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines are available, and you can get them at the same appointment at a pharmacy or doctor’s office. The shots have been formulated to match this season’s strains of each virus. They do not prevent every infection, but they are very effective in preventing serious illness. Flu and COVID-19 shots have to be repeated every fall.
RSV vaccines are available for all adults 75 and older, and adults ages 60 to 74 with risk factors such as chronic heart or lung disease. This vaccine needs to be taken only once, not every year.
To protect babies, pregnant women can get an RSV vaccine, or babies younger than 8 months can receive a preventive antibody shot to immunize against RSV.
Besides making sure you’ve received your shots, the best way to protect yourself from these respiratory viruses is to practice the same prevention measures we did during the pandemic: wash your hands, keep your distance from sick people and consider wearing a mask in indoor spaces.
What To Do If You Get Sick
If you’re high-risk for the flu, COVID-19 or RSV and you get sick, don’t panic—but do make a plan. Call your doctor for guidance and seek immediate medical care if your symptoms worsen or you have difficulty breathing.
Ask your doctor about whether you might benefit from antiviral drugs, such as Paxlovid for COVID-19 and Tamiflu for the flu. Stay home and away from others, particularly other high-risk people. Rest and drink a lot of fluids.
Remember to use your provider as a resource, Dr. Ruff says. “It can be confusing to navigate all of the vaccines that come out. Don’t feel like you need to make these decisions alone. Reach out to your primary care doctor, and they can help you decide which vaccines may be right for you.”
Not feeling well or need your flu shot? Call your primary care doctor or find one near you. For a COVID-19 vaccine or booster, visit unchealthcare.org/vaccine.