The respiratory illness season is in full swing and there are a few precautions that people can take to stay ahead of the variety of viruses going around. Chad Thury, DO, a family medicine physician with Avera Health answers key questions:
The CDC just relaxed the quarantine guidelines after a positive COVID-19 test, what are those new guidelines?
- This recommendation brings COVID in line to the what the influenza and other respiratory illness isolation guidelines are.
- That means isolating until you are fever-free for 24 hours and your symptoms are mild or improving.
- We would still recommend masking if in close quarters and limit contact outside your own workspace.
What are we seeing in terms of influenza in our communities?
- We may have peaked last week in South Dakota, but people should still stay vigilant.
- It’s not too late to get the flu vaccine, but it can take up to two weeks for your body to build up immunity.
- Remember, like COVID, the vaccine is designed to help weaken the virus and lessen symptoms should you get infected.
The RSV vaccine was approved late last fall, is that something that is available for anyone?
- It’s encouraged for the vulnerable populations of the very baby and the elderly to protect them from the virus.
- We’d really like to encourage pregnant mothers to get the vaccine to provide dual protection and potential for acquired immunity when baby is born. This is available for pregnant mothers during weeks 32-36 of their pregnancy.
There’s a growing concern of measles breaking out in different parts of the United States? Why is this happening and what should people do?
- Measles is something we’re keeping an eye out for in the clinics, but for most people in our region, it won’t be an issue.
- Through vaccination, measles was eradicated in the United States in the year 2000. Still, each year pockets of outbreaks happen across the country.
- Most cases are people who were unvaccinated or under-vaccinated and traveled internationally and ended up bringing it back to the home.
- The best advice is to make sure you and your family are up to date on your measles vaccination.
With all the viruses we’ve talked about, what is the take home message?
- Stay on top of your vaccinations, especially for your children who are exposed daily at school.
- We have to do better to get vaccinations back to pre-pandemic rates and provide a greater herd immunity.
- If you’re sick, stay home and practice good hygiene when you return to work.
- It’s all about being selfless, not selfish.
