Currently, four viruses — Influenza, COVID-19, RSV, and norovirus—are spreading across the U.S., raising significant public health concerns. Some experts are referring to this simultaneous circulation as a “quademic.”
Three vaccines are available to help protect against the respiratory viruses: COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. However, there is no vaccine for norovirus, commonly known as the stomach flu, which is not caused by the influenza virus.
Although alert for respiratory illnesses is high, but vaccination coverage remains low for all three illnesses, though COVID-19 vaccine uptake has improved slightly among older adults. The CDC strongly encourages for vaccination and preventive measures to reduce risks. The less known respiratory illnesses – Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), which is a common respiratory virus that causes infections in the lungs and respiratory tract. It is particularly dangerous for young children and older adults, often leading to severe illness such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia. RSV spreads through respiratory droplets and close contact and typically surges during the fall and winter seasons.
Below is a Symptom Comparison Chart for RSV, COVID-19, and Flu:
In summary:
- RSV is most dangerous for infants and older adults, often causing wheezing or difficulty breathing.
- COVID-19 has a broader range of symptoms, including loss of taste/smell and systemic effects like fatigue and shortness of breath.
- Flu typically has a sudden onset of high fever, body aches, and fatigue.
To not delay in treatment, Testing is crucial as symptoms can overlap. Vaccines are also available for all three illnesses, and early medical intervention can help manage severe cases. Please protect yourself and your family by wearing masks in crowded or indoor spaces during Lunar New Year Celebrations, staying home when feeling unwell, practicing good hand hygiene, and ensuring everyone is up to date on recommended vaccinations to reduce the spread of COVID-19, influenza, and RSV this season. With CDC support, Asian Media Access’ vaccination effort, will soon expand to RSV vaccine. Please check often to AMA facebook, we will provide on going Vaccination Pop-up Clinics. https://www.facebook.com/asianmediaaccess
