Respiratory Illness

Common Respiratory Viral Illnesses

Flu

Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.

Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses
Flu can cause mild to severe illness
Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by tiny droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk
The first and most important step in preventing flu is to get a flu vaccine each year.

Symptoms

Flu can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly. People who have flu often feel some or all of these signs and symptoms:

fever* or feeling feverish/chills

cough

sore throat

runny or stuffy nose

muscle or body aches

headaches

fatigue (tiredness)

some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

Not everyone with flu has symptoms

Prevention

CDC also recommends everyday preventive actions (like staying away from people who are sick (distancing), covering coughs and sneezes, frequent handwashing, and taking steps for cleaner air) to help slow the spread of germs that cause respiratory (nose, throat, and lungs) illnesses like flu. More information is available about core and additional prevention strategies.

The flu season runs from October to May so it is not too late to get your flu shot! The Charles County Department of Health offers the flu vaccine Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Walk-ins appointments are welcomed.

COVID-19

COVID-19 most often causes respiratory symptoms that can feel much like a cold, the flu, or pneumonia. COVID-19 may attack more than your lungs and respiratory system. Other parts of your body may also be affected by the disease. Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some people become severely ill.

How COVID-19 spreads

COVID-19 spreads when an infected person breathes out droplets and very small particles that contain the virus. Other people can breathe in these droplets and particles, or these droplets and particles can land on others’ eyes, nose, or mouth. In some circumstances, these droplets may contaminate the surfaces they touch.

Anyone infected with COVID-19 can spread it, even if they do NOT have symptoms. COVID-19 can even spread from people to animals in some situations.

Learn more https://www.cdc.gov/covid/about/index.html

RSV

Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. RSV symptoms make it difficult to distinguish it from the common cold or other respiratory viruses (like the flu or COVID-19). RSV spreads in the fall and winter along with other respiratory viruses. It usually peaks in December and January.

How RSV Spreads

RSV can spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes, by direct contact with someone who has RSV, or by touching a contaminated surface.
In most regions of the United States, RSV season generally starts during the fall and peaks in the winter.
Everyone can take action to help prevent the spread of RSV.

How to prevent spread

Everyone can take actions to help reduce the spread of RSV and other respiratory viruses.

Practice good hygiene by covering your coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing your hands often, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
Take steps for cleaner air, such as bringing in fresh outside air, purifying indoor air, or gathering outdoors.
Stay home and away from others when you are sick.
You can also use additional tools like masks, physical distancing, and

Learn more about RSV at https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/about/index.html

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Charles County