It’s that time of year: the weather is beginning to cool and the sniffles are starting to ramp up — it’s virus season. Health experts are predicting an early arrival of the flu this year, with surges coming potentially as soon as October. But there’s more than just the flu to worry about — there’s also the threat of RSV and COVID lurking behind every sniffle and sneeze. Here’s what you should know:
🤒 Flu
With the flu expected to start making the rounds up to a month earlier than usual, health authorities are encouraging everyone — especially children and older people — to get their flu vaccines as early as possible. Shots are becoming available starting this week. The CDC reports that those who are immunized against the flu are 40-70% less likely to experience complications should they catch it.
🤧 RSV
Last virus season, RSV showed up with a vengeance, overwhelming children’s hospitals. This year, however, for the first time parents have the option to give infants a monoclonal antibody shot, which reportedly reduces the risk of severe RSV cases by 70% and is recommended for all children under 8 months. The FDA also recently approved an RSV vaccine for older adults and those with compromised immune systems, but recommend people weigh the risk of RSV against the possibility of rare side effects.
😷 COVID-19
An updated COVID-19 vaccine targeting the most recent XBB.1.5 variant is expected to be released sometime this month. CDC officials say it’s safe to get the COVID shot and the flu shot at the same time. Experts also say with 97% of Americans either vaccinated or having survived a bout of COVID, most people are less vulnerable to severe cases.
