Respiratory illnesses pick up for the holiday season

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

Gifts weren’t the only things being passed around for the holidays. A trio of respiratory viruses is making the rounds across the state, filling up hospitals and clinics with people seeking care for their cough.

“We’ve seen a variety of respiratory tract infections in the past month and a half,” said Joanne Starr, an advanced registered nurse practitioner at Floyd County Medical Center.

Influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are the main culprits of the respiratory illness spread. Influenza and COVID-19 need no introduction, but RSV is a virus that hasn’t traditionally been tested for in adults until recently.

“It was typically a virus we only worried about in little children. We didn’t really look for it much in adults,” said Starr. “We’re picking it up more in adults than we knew about before.”

Each virus is making its way around the area to some extent, almost competing with each other to see which will spread the farthest.

“It seems influenza has been winning the race for the last few weeks,” Starr said.

Respiratory illness generally starts with an abrupt onset of symptoms including fever, sore throat, cough, and fatigue.

“People wake up feeling like they’ve been hit by a truck,” said Starr.

Treatments are possible if caught early enough, otherwise it’s just a matter of treating the symptoms with rest, acetaminophen, and cough syrups until the virus passes, generally in about seven to 10 days.

Starr notes that RSV, COVID-19, and influenza are all viral infections, which antibiotics do not work against. If symptoms continue to get worse, that could mean a bacterial infection, which would then warrant a round of antibiotics.

Of course, the best way to avoid symptoms is to not get sick in the first place. The preventive measures that were widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic still apply today. Wash your hands frequently, avoid exposure when possible, and be considerate of others by staying home or wearing a mask when you are sick.

“Prevention is our biggest ally right now. If you’re sick, stay home,” said Starr. “If you want to wear a mask in a crowded place, that’s still OK.”

Immunizations are also a big help, with Star recommending that people make sure they are up-to-date on their flu shot and COVID vaccines, which will keep symptoms mild if not prevent infection all together.

Staying vigilant with preventive measures is the best way to make sure you stay healthy going into the New Year, she said.

“Common sense is going to be the part that helps protect us,” said Starr.