Daily Dose – Respiratory Virus Season: What You Need to Know

Each year, respiratory viruses pose a serious threat to public health, particularly for vulnerable patient populations.

“When we talk about all the respiratory viruses that can damage our health, people tend to brush them off,” says Dr. Bradley Horne, virtual primary care physician with Atrium Health Primary Care Virtual Family Medicine. “It’s important to take these illnesses seriously, and to consider ways to prevent getting sick.”

There’s also a lot of misinformation surrounding respiratory viruses, leaving many people unsure where to turn or whom to trust.

Although the length and intensity of the respiratory virus season can be unpredictable, there are proactive measures you can take to stay protected. Atrium Health experts offer practical advice for avoiding germs and strengthening your immune system. They also highlight how virtual primary care visits can reduce virus exposure, keeping you and your family safer.

Key insights for this year’s respiratory virus season

There are many respiratory viruses each year including the common cold, however there are three major ones that can cause more serious symptoms: COVID-19, RSV and flu. The most common symptoms of respiratory viruses are cough, congestion, fever and runny nose. Some may also cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicts the 2024-2025 season to be similar to the 2023-2024 season regarding the total number of hospitalizations from COVID-19, RSV and the flu. The 2024-2025 season is expected to have a similar or slightly lower number of combined peak hospitalizations than last season.

What about the flu?  

“In the U.S., we typically see around 30 million flu cases annually,” Horne explains. “During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, that number dropped to just 9 million. Although flu testing wasn’t as widespread, the precautions taken for COVID-19 also helped reduce the number of flu cases.”  

The flu is more dangerous than the common cold for pediatric patients.

“Children commonly need medical care because of the flu, especially children younger than 5 years old,” says Dr. Lyn Nuse, senior director of pediatric primary care at Atrium Health Levine Children’s. “We recommend that everyone 6 months and older get a seasonal flu vaccine annually. Vaccinating the families of young children and other caregivers can also help protect children from getting sick.”

RSV was traditionally more common in young children, but since the COVID-19 outbreak, doctors have begun testing adults for RSV more frequently. According to Horne, the increase in positive test results we have seen in recent years may give the impression that RSV cases are on the rise when, in fact, they may not be.

Tips for avoiding germs, boosting immunity

Anyone who has ever had a respiratory virus knows it’s no fun. Fortunately, you can take several proactive measures to reduce your risk of contracting respiratory and other viruses.

Follow these tips for avoiding germs:

• If you’re sick, stay home. Contact your primary care provider if you have a fever that lasts longer than 24 hours. Your provider will determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19, RSV or the flu.
• Consider wearing a mask if you’re not feeling well if you are out and about.
• Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
• Don’t touch your face or rub your eyes.
• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Practice good etiquette by sneezing into your elbow to prevent germs spreading to those around you.
• Wipe down frequently used surfaces with disinfecting wipes.
• Anyone over six months can get flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, and high-risk patients can get RSV 

Boost your immune system by incorporating these daily habits:

• Eat a healthy diet.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Get a good night’s rest.
• Fit in some exercise several times a week.
• De-stress whenever possible.

Patients at high risk of having more severe illnesses include children, older adults and patients with diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or autoimmune disorders. These patients often have immune systems that struggle to fight off respiratory viruses, leading to more severe symptoms that can last longer than in typical cases. Therefore, high-risk individuals should be particularly diligent in following the recommended precautions.

The right time to get vaccinated

“The best time to get vaccinated against respiratory viruses is at the end of September or early October,” explains Horne. “This allows your body ample time to build a response to the vaccine before the virus begins circulating in your community.”

It takes the body about two weeks after vaccination to build protection against the flu and other viruses.  

“Avoid getting vaccinated when you’re sick, as your immune system is already busy fighting an infection and won’t be able to respond to the vaccine effectively,” says Horne.

If you contract COVID-19, your body will generally produce natural antibodies that protect you for at least three months after recovery. As a result, you don’t need to get vaccinated right after a COVID-19 infection.

Virtual care for respiratory viruses

Virtual Family Medicine provides timely access and convenience for patients seeking care for respiratory viruses. Your primary care physician is an excellent source of accurate information on virus prevention and management strategies. Your virtual doctor can send orders to your local pharmacy for vaccines or prescriptions.

Scheduling virtual primary care visits can lower your risk of catching and spreading respiratory viruses, helping the whole community.

“During this time of year, many people still visit the doctor for routine care and may come into contact with sick patients,” Horne says. “With virtual care, patients can receive care from home, avoiding exposure to others in waiting rooms and offices. This is especially important for vulnerable patients who should avoid high-risk areas.”

While it’s important to exercise caution, you shouldn’t postpone primary care appointments or routine tests, such as mammograms and colon cancer screenings, during respiratory virus season.

“Thanks to virtual primary care, you can still have access to quality care during high-risk months by limiting your risk and exposure,” notes Horne.

Schedule a virtual appointment

Patients can find a Virtual Family Medicine physician and schedule a virtual care appointment using the following: