Dr. Jacob Pierce: Prioritizing safety during respiratory virus season

Fall is in full swing in eastern North Carolina, and with it comes more than just crisp air and colorful leaves. We’re already seeing an uptick in respiratory viruses across our communities and the state. It is not too late to protect yourself and your loved ones from the serious health risks posed by respiratory viruses like influenza, COVID-19 and RSV.

For many, these viruses are a temporary inconvenience. But for others, especially young children, older adults, pregnant people and those with chronic health conditions like asthma or diabetes, they can lead to severe illness, hospitalization or worse. As an infectious disease physician at ECU Health, I have seen firsthand how quickly these viruses can progress to life threatening illness in vulnerable individuals. That is why it’s so important to act early and take advantage of the tools we have to stay safe.

Vaccines remain our most powerful defense against severe illness. The 2025-26 COVID-19 and flu vaccines are now available, and I strongly encourage everyone to stay up to date. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older, while the RSV vaccine is now available for infants, pregnant people and older adults. These vaccines not only protect you but also help shield those in our community who are too young or medically unable to be vaccinated, like newborns or individuals undergoing chemotherapy.

Thanks to a recent Standing Order from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), a prescription is not required to get vaccinated. Adults 65 and older, as well as those aged 18 to 64 with high-risk health conditions, including obesity, asthma, diabetes, pregnancy and more, can receive the COVID-19 vaccine at pharmacies without a prescription.

If you test positive for COVID-19, flu or RSV, do not wait. Contact your health care provider right away. Early treatment can reduce the severity of symptoms and lower the risk of complications. Medications for COVID-19 and influenza have proven effective in preventing hospitalizations when started promptly.

Vaccines and treatments are critical, but they are just part of the equation. Simple preventive measures like frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals and wearing masks in crowded or high-risk settings remain powerful tools in slowing the spread of illness.

I understand that some people have questions or concerns about vaccines. I encourage you to talk with your primary care provider to determine which vaccines are right for you and your family. I get vaccinated every year, not just for myself, but to help protect those around me who can’t.

By staying informed, getting vaccinated, seeking early treatment when needed and practicing good hygiene, we can navigate this respiratory virus season safely. It’s about doing our part to protect the health of our entire community.

Let’s take these steps together so we can all stay healthy and enjoy the seasons ahead.

Dr. Jacob Pierce is the medical director of infection prevention at ECU Health and a clinical assistant professor at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University.