Yearly, respiratory viruses like flu, Covid and RSV trigger thousands and thousands of individuals to get sick and hundreds of individuals to die.
You may decrease your danger by getting vaccinated.
Do you know?
Folks over 65 and people who are immunocompromised ought to get a 2nd Covid vaccine 6 months after their first dose.
Who’s in danger for respiratory infections?
Everyone seems to be in danger for respiratory infections, however some individuals are at greater danger for extreme illness or hospitalization.
You’re thought of excessive danger for a extreme case of flu or Covid in the event you:
-
Are 65 years or older
-
Are pregnant
-
Have a weakened immune system
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Have sure well being situations, akin to:
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Coronary heart illness
-
Weight problems
-
Bronchial asthma
You’re thought of excessive danger for a extreme case of RSV in the event you:
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Are 75 years or older
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Are 60–74 years outdated and residing in a long-term care facility
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Have sure well being situations, akin to:
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Coronary heart, lung & kidney illness
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Weight problems
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Diabetes
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Bronchial asthma
How will you inform the distinction between these infections?
The flu, Covid and RSV all trigger related signs that may vary from gentle to lethal.
The widespread signs of those 3 viruses embrace:
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Fever
-
Cough
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Headache
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Runny or stuffy nostril
Different signs are extra widespread in sure viruses than others.
|
|
Flu |
Covid |
RSV |
|
Muscle ache/physique aches |
Usually |
Typically |
Hardly ever |
|
Issue respiratory |
Hardly ever |
Usually |
Typically |
|
Fatigue or weak spot |
Usually |
Usually |
Hardly ever |
|
Fever |
Usually (will be h igh, as much as 103 or 104) |
Typically (gentle fever of 99 or 100) |
Typically (gentle fever of 99 or 100) |
|
Lack of style or odor |
Hardly ever |
Typically |
Hardly ever |
|
Sore throat |
Typically |
Usually |
Hardly ever |
|
Wheezing |
Hardly ever |
Hardly ever |
Usually |
|
Chills |
Usually |
Usually |
Hardly ever |
|
Sneezing |
Typically |
Typically |
Typically |
|
Diarrhea/vomiting |
Typically |
Typically |
Hardly ever |
A method that can assist you work out which virus you might have is how rapidly signs come on.
-
Flu comes on rapidly and is felt everywhere in the physique
-
Covid and RSV typically begin slowly with sniffles, adopted within the subsequent day or two by cough and headac he
The one approach to know for certain is to get examined.
Vaccines to guard you from flu, Covid and RSV
Vaccines will help preserve signs gentle and assist forestall extreme illness and hospitalization.
Flu and Covid vaccines are really helpful for:
-
Everybody 6 months and older
It’s particularly vital to get vaccinated in case you are 65 and older or are at excessive danger for extreme illness.
The RSV vaccine is really helpful for adults:
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Age 75 and older
-
Ages 60 or older in nursing properties or with sure well being situations
-
32 – 36 weeks pregnant throughout RSV season
This academic useful resource was created with assist from Novavax, a HealthyWomen Company Advisory Council member.
