Respiratory illness season is here in North Carolina, and one virus is already spreading at a rapid pace. We spoke with Dr. David Weber, an infectious disease expert at the UNC School of Medicine, to break down which illnesses are circulating in North Carolina and how to stay protected this holiday season.
Which respiratory illnesses are going around North Carolina? Flu cases at UNC Health have doubled for two consecutive weeks, Weber said, with the peak not expected for at least another six weeks. According to the News and Observer, COVID, RSV and walking pneumonia are also common during this time of year.
COVID-19: A contagious and easily spreadable respiratory illness caused by a virus. Anyone infected can spread it, even if they don’t have symptoms. Over 1 million people in the U.S. have died from it, and its complications include “long COVID,” which is a chronic condition that can cause permanent disability.
Influenza (flu): A contagious and spreadable respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. The illness can be mild to severe. (Info: CDC)
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): A common respiratory virus that causes mild symptoms in most people, but it’s the leading cause of infant hospitalization in the U.S. It infects the nose, throat and lungs and can be difficult to tell apart from the common cold. (Info: CDC) ▪ Walking pneumonia: A contagious respiratory illness caused by a bacteria. Most infections are mild, although the cough may last for several weeks (and people might not stay in bed when they have it, coining it “walking pneumonia”), but it can cause serious lung infections and require hospitalization. (Info: CDC)
Can you get COVID & flu at the same time?
Yes, 3-5% of people end up with more than one respiratory virus at once, Weber said. Some at-home tests can detect both COVID and flu, and medical offices routinely check for multiple viruses.
How to avoid COVID, flu & RSV
The CDC says there are several ways to protect yourself.
Wear masks: These illnesses spread through airborne particles, so masking is especially important indoors and in crowded spaces as cases rise.
Get vaccinated: Though official guidance from the CDC has shifted, health professionals recommend that most people 6 months and older get the latest flu and COVID shots. RSV vaccines are recommended for adults 75+, very young children and pregnant people. Older adults can also get a high-dose flu shot. (Note: There’s no vaccine for walking pneumonia.)
Use early treatments: Oral antivirals for flu and COVID work best when started quickly — within 48 hours of symptoms for flu and within five days for COVID. Walking pneumonia can be treated with antibiotics.
Stick to basic precautions: Cover coughs and sneezes, wash your hands, improve airflow by opening windows and stay home when you’re sick.
Is it too late to get a flu, COVID vaccine?
No, it’s definitely not too late, Weber said. It takes one to three weeks to develop immunity from a vaccine, so if you’re going to travel for Hanukkah in one week, Christmas in two weeks or New Year’s in three weeks, there’s still time to get that vaccine and immunity. Flu cases are on the rise, especially in the South.
Where to get a COVID of flu vaccine in NC?
Visit covid19.ncdhhs.gov/vaccines and enter your zip code find a vaccine near you. In general, you can also check out:
▪ Pharmacies: Walk in or schedule appointments at national pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens. You can also inquire with local neighborhood pharmacies.
▪ Grocery and big box stores: Walk in or schedule appointments at stores like Walmart, Target, Harris Teeter, Publix and Carlie C’s.
▪ Your healthcare provider: Of course, you can contact your doctor for an appointment.
This article appears courtesy of our media partner The Charlotte Observer.