Prepping for respiratory illness season: Key insights on RSV, flu and COVID-19

Glenda Perez (at right) draws up a COVID-19 vaccine at the University of Arizona vaccination clinic on Monday, Sept. 19, 2023. (Photo by Hannah Cree from El Inde Arizona, stories from Southeastern Arizona by U of A School of Journalism students)

As the colder months approach, the University of Arizona community and Tucson residents are preparing for an active season of respiratory illnesses, including respiratory syncytial virus, influenza and COVID-19. These respiratory illnesses surge in winter months, aligning with colder weather, increased indoor gatherings and seasonal travel.

Health experts are urging people to adopt proactive measures this season to limit the spread of these diseases, with vaccinations emphasized as a critical line of defense. The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson’s Mohanad Al-Obaidi, MD, MPH, FIDSA, highlighted the role of vaccines in helping to curb the severity and spread of respiratory illnesses. Dr. Al-Obaidi is an associate professor in the Department of Medicine’s Division of Infectious Diseases.

“The CDC [Centers of Disease Control] anticipates that this year’s RSV, influenza, and COVID-19 seasons may mirror last season’s trends,” Dr. Al-Obaidi said, pointing out that these patterns often result in peak viral activity during and after the holiday season due to increased social interactions.

“It’s too early to be certain, though, so we should remain vigilant by following local trends,” he added.

In the Grand Canyon state, health officials suggest that viral activity may peak later than in other regions due to Arizona’s unique climate.

“In Arizona, the trend of spread of these viruses can be shifted to later months compared to other states,” Dr. Al-Obaidi said.

He advised the community to check local updates from the Arizona Department of Health Services regularly for timely information.

This monitoring, combined with preventive steps, can significantly reduce risk as respiratory viruses become more prevalent in the colder months.

Vaccination against RSV, influenza and COVID-19 is crucial for individual health and for protecting the community, especially vulnerable populations like children, older adults and immunocompromised individuals.

It is also important as “vaccines aren’t just for personal protection — they’re a way to shield those at higher risk,” Dr. Al-Obaidi said.

Transplant recipients and other immunocompromised individuals often rely on community immunity to reduce the likelihood of contracting a respiratory virus that could lead to severe complications.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the annual flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are highly recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older.

The CDC reassures that both vaccines can be administered together safely, which simplifies the process for those needing both and helps to increase compliance rates.

The RSV vaccine, a recent addition to preventive measures, is recommended specifically for high-risk adults over 60.

The CDC and American Medical Association have been vocal in advocating for vaccinations across all eligible age groups, emphasizing that a widespread vaccination effort benefits both individual and community health.

Statistics from the CDC highlight the ongoing challenges in vaccination rates: last year, only 45% of adults in the U.S. received a flu vaccine and an even lower 23% received a COVID-19 booster.

This gap in vaccination coverage leaves many people vulnerable to severe illness, hospitalization and potential complications.

In an interview with the Associated Press, director of the Division of HIV Prevention at CDC, Demetre Daskalakis, MD, MPH, emphasized the broader impact that vaccinations can have on public health.

“Vaccinations may not prevent every infection, but they significantly reduce the chances of severe illness,” Dr. Daskalakis said.

For older adults and high-risk individuals, the primary goal is to limit hospitalizations that could burden the health care system.

“I would rather have my grandmother or great-grandmother have a sniffle than have to go to the emergency room on Thanksgiving,” Dr. Daskalakis said.

With the respiratory illness season fast approaching, Dr. Al-Obaidi encouraged a proactive and collective approach to health.

“By staying vigilant and informed, we can make this season safer for everyone,” Dr. Al-Obaidi said, underscoring the importance of community responsibility.

This message aligns with broader public health goals, reminding Tucson residents that their individual choices — whether it’s staying updated with vaccinations, following preventive habits or supporting local health guidelines — have the power to protect the most vulnerable among us.

About the author
Andres F. Diaz is an MD/PhD program candidate at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson and a student in the U of A Cancer Biology Graduate Interdisciplinary Program (Class of 2028). He also is chief editor of The New Physician, and a past member of the National Board of Trustees for the American Medical Student Association, which publishes the magazine. In addition, he’s associate editor of ConductScience, a data analytics journal, and a graduate student council member of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

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