RSV, COVID, Flu: Protect Yourself This Respiratory Virus Season

Last year, talk of a “tripledemic” made headlines with concerns of influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) all circulating at the same time.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s new forecasting site is predicting this upcoming respiratory virus season will have similar numbers as last season, with higher-than-normal cases of flu and RSV. The good news is, there are new preventative tools, like the first RSV vaccines ever available, offering new ways to reduce infections and transmission.

Read below for everything you need to know to prepare and protect yourself and your family this respiratory virus season.

RSV

RSV is a common respiratory virus that typically causes cold-like symptoms. However, infection can lead to adverse health outcomes in infants and older adults. RSV activity was significantly higher in Arizona last season compared to a typical season. During the 2022-2023 season, over 16,000 RSV cases were reported in Arizona compared to under 5,000 in a typical season.

Symptoms of RSV infection commonly include:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Fever
• Wheezing

To protect infants

RSV is the leading reason babies are hospitalized in the United States. We could see fewer hospitalizations this RSV season because of two new tools designed to protect infants from the disease:

• A monoclonal antibody called Nirsevimab (Beyfortus): This preventive RSV shot is for infants up to 8 months old entering their first RSV season. Some children between the ages of 8 and 19 months may also be recommended for this immunization if they are at increased risk for severe RSV disease.
• Maternal RSV vaccine: An RSV vaccination called Abrysvo is for women who are 32-36 weeks pregnant. When a pregnant person gets the RSV vaccine, they pass along that protection to their baby. According to the CDC, the vaccine can reduce a baby’s risk of being hospitalized from RSV by 57% in the first six months after birth.

This is the first time families will be offered season-long protection for infants and some children against RSV.

To protect older adults

Older adults are at greater risk than younger adults for serious complications from RSV because our immune systems weaken as we age. The CDC says an estimated 60,000-160,000 older adults in the U.S. are hospitalized each year due to RSV infection. There are two new vaccines that are expected to help reduce the number of severe outcomes and hospitalizations:

• Abrysvo (which is also targeted for pregnant women to protect infants) and Arexy rolled out this year and are available for people aged 60 and older. Adults in this age group should talk with their healthcare provider about whether RSV vaccination is right for them.

You can get an RSV vaccine at the same time you get other recommended vaccines, such as flu or COVID-19 vaccines.

COVID-19

We’re in a much different and better place than we were three years ago with COVID-19. We have stronger immunity and tools to protect ourselves, like vaccines and at-home tests. With that said, COVID-19 is still a very contagious disease that spreads quickly. COVID-19 often causes symptoms that can feel like a cold or the flu, but some people become severely ill.

Symptoms of COVID-19 are wide-ranging but can include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• New loss of taste or smell

Newly updated COVID-19 vaccines are now available. The new shots are expected to keep more people from getting seriously ill with the virus through the winter. Unlike the spring booster that targeted people aged 60 and older, these updated vaccines are for everyone 6 months and older. The most important thing to know about the updated shot is everyone 6 months and older should get at least one dose if it’s been at least two months since they last got a COVID-19 shot.

According to the CDC, vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19-related hospitalization and death.

Influenza

Most people recover from the flu within a few days or up to a week or two. But some people develop severe and potentially life-threatening complications like pneumonia. It can also make other health problems a person may already have, like asthma or heart disease, worse. Flu signs and symptoms usually come on suddenly.

Flu symptoms commonly include:

• Fever/feeling feverish or chills
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults

Every flu season is different, and flu can affect people differently. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get the flu vaccine every season, especially people at higher risk of serious complications.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona members

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (AZ Blue) wants to ensure you and your family remain healthy this fall and holiday season when we typically see an uptick in sickness. The best way to stay healthy is to get vaccinated.

Flu vaccine

Flu shots are considered a preventive service and are covered under AZ Blue health plans. There are also numerous no-cost clinics throughout Arizona. You can find a convenient influenza vaccination site near you by clicking here.

COVID-19 vaccine

The new COVID-19 shot is a covered benefit under AZ Blue health plans and should not have any associated out-of-pocket costs. Shots can be found at your local retail pharmacy, many healthcare provider offices, community and federally qualified health centers, and county health department clinics.

RSV vaccine

Abrysvo, the adult RSV vaccine for both pregnant women and people 60+, is considered a preventive service so members can get it at no cost. Most pharmacies have this vaccine in stock but call ahead if you have any questions.

Aside from vaccinations, make sure you routinely wash your hands and stay distanced from anyone experiencing RSV, COVID-19, or flu symptoms this respiratory virus season.