Three’s a Crowd: Navigating Flu, COVID-19, and RSV Season
As we barrel towards winter, viral illnesses such as COVID-19, influenza, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are on the rise. Staying informed is essential to keeping you and your family healthy.
Dr. David Dobrzynski, an infectious disease expert with UR Medicine, answers your questions about vaccines, symptoms, and preventative measures.
Vaccinations: What You Need to Know
Can I get all three vaccines at the same time?
It's safe to receive the COVID-10, flu, and RSV vaccines simultaneously. However, some people might feel unwell after receiving more than one vaccine at once. Dr. Dobrzynski recommends speaking to your primary care doctor to determine what's best for you.
Are you interested in participating in our clinical trial?
The University of Rochester Medical Center's RSV Clinical Trial aims to evaluate the combined use of two FDA-approved drugs to optimize RSV prevention in infants. This study is open to pregnant individuals aged 18 to 45, with visits lasting over 14 months. Participation is at no cost, and compensation is provided for study visits.
Join today to contribute to necessary research that could potentially help protect infants from RSV.
Does the flu shot protect against RSV?
No. Each vaccine targets a specific virus. The flu shot protects against influenza but not COVID-19 or RSV. For the best protection, get each vaccine or booster for which you're eligible.
Who should get the flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone, especially during the fall and winter. It's never too late to get vaccinated.
“We strongly encourage people to get annual flu shots, COVID boosters, and the RSV vaccine if eligible. Despite potential feelings of vaccine fatigue, our community members should resume normal practices of getting flu vaccines every year,” said Infectious Disease specialist Angela Branche, MD.
Who should get the COVID vaccine?
Everyone should strongly consider getting the COVID-19 vaccine to protect themselves and others from severe disease. The vaccines were recently updated to include the latest circulating variant to help provide better protection.
Infectious disease experts Angela Branche, MD, Ann Falsey, MD, and Ed Walsh, MD, joined WXXI to discuss vaccine efficacy and virus mutations.
Who should get the RSV vaccine?
The RSV vaccine is currently recommended for:- Individuals over 60 years old with increased risk factors (heart or lung disease, immunocompromised conditions)
- Everyone over 75 years old
- Pregnant individuals between 32-36 weeks
"While you can get the RSV vaccine at any time of the year, late summer/early fall is best," said Dr. Dobrzynski.
Do babies need the RSV vaccine?
In 2023, a new RSV immunization called nirsevimab was made available for infants. The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend administering the vaccine in the first 8 months of life.
Nirsevimab is given to all infants born in the hospital during respiratory virus season (October to March). Parents of children 0-8 months who have not received the vaccine can also ask their pediatrician for availability.
Recognizing Symptoms: Differentiating Between RSV, Flu, and COVID-19
The symptoms of RSV, flu, and COVID-19 often overlap, making it challenging to distinguish between them. Common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Body aches
Certain symptoms are more common in one virus or the other. For instance, loss of taste or smell is more commonly associated with COVID-19.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider for appropriate testing and guidance.
Can you be sick with all three illnesses at once?
While getting two or three of all three respiratory viruses at the same time is fairly rare, it is technically possible. In general, people only come down with one at a time.
Do I still need to worry about COVID?
Cases of COVID-19 continue to circulate throughout our community. Be sure to get boosted for COVID-19 if you are due. If you recently had COVID-19, the CDC says to consider waiting three months before getting the COVID booster. If you are feeling ill from COVID-19, there are options for symptom relief.
“Call your primary care physician to discuss Paxlovid or molnupiravir. Both medications are more widely available than they once were,” said Dr. Branche.
If you have additional questions, reach out to your primary care physician or chat with a provider via Virtual Urgent Care.
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