The 2022-2023 Winter Season
Respiratory Illnesses
As we approach the fourth winter season with Covid-19, we are also dealing with other respiratory illnesses this year impacting our state with increased hospitalizations as a result.
Covid-19 is in one of its Omicron phases and vaccines still appear to prevent severe illness. The wide range of Covid symptoms include: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting and or diarrhea. There are vaccines to help prevent severe illness.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild cold like symptoms. During the pandemic years RSV declined significantly due to mitigation measures such as distance and masking exposing children to less germs. RSV is common and reoccurs often in humans. Typically the first infection results in a sicker child and subsequent infections less so as the child builds up a tolerance to the virus. RSV symptoms can include: fever, coughing, sneezing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and wheezing. Currently, there is no vaccine for RSV
Influenza (Flu) is a virus that circulates yearly. The flu is a contagious viral infection that infects the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs and can cause mild to severe symptoms and life-threatening complications for those in high risk groups. Flu symptoms are typically: fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, congestion, runny nose, headaches, and fatigue. There are annual vaccines that target the top 3 strains each year.
Pertussis (Whooping Cough) is a highly contagious and serious bacterial infection that spreads easily from person to person through coughing and sneezing. It is particularly dangerous for infants. Pertussis symptoms: It is characterized by a severe barking cough that sounds like "whoop," symptoms also include a runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing. Pertussis is becoming more common, unfortunately, for a variety of reasons including declining vaccination rates or waning immunity from our previous vaccines. Vaccines are highly effective for Pertussis though break through cases can occur if it is circulating in the community as it is now here in Maine.
What to do so we can stay healthy and enjoy the winter season
1. Stay up to date on vaccines.
2. Stay home if possible when cold symptoms arise. If you are unable to stay home, wear a mask around others and maintain some social distance.
3. Wash your hands frequently.
4. Get a good night sleep and eat healthy.
Vaccine Clinics
