What to do if you have COVID-19, influenza, or respiratory syncytial virus

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In early January, winter triggered a new wave of coronavirus infections across the country, including in Arizona, where data showed an increase in respiratory illnesses such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus.

Doctors and health care providers call the seasonal rise in these three viruses a “triple epidemic.” Data released by the Arizona Department of Health Services show that influenza and RSV activity has slowed but remained above the five-season average for the week ended Jan. 27.

AZDHS data also indicate that COVID-19 activity has stabilized and remains below the average over the past three seasons. The latest county reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classify overall respiratory disease activity in Arizona as “moderate.”

Although case numbers are trending downward, winter can still lead to more infections or respiratory illnesses. Here’s some information about the CDC’s latest COVID-19 guidance and how to avoid getting infected during the pandemic:

When should I get tested for COVID-19?

If you start experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath and fever, or know you have been exposed to COVID-19, you should get tested.

How do I get a COVID-19 test kit?

Home tests have become the fastest way to determine whether a person has COVID-19. They are sold at drug stores such as CVS, Walgreens, Fry’s and other retailers. People can also request free testing kits from the federal government at www.covid.gov.

These types of tests are antigen tests that involve taking a swab from the inside of the nostril and then placing the swab into the liquid solution used on the test strip. People can see results in about 20 minutes.

What should I do if I get COVID-19?

The CDC released recommendations in May 2023 about what to do if you get COVID-19.

A blog post on their website lists four points: If you have COVID-19, protect yourself and others by staying home for at least 5 days, wearing a mask when in contact with others for 10 days, and if you think you have the disease It may be serious, please take medical treatment if you are sick. .

The CDC clarifies that you should call your doctor as soon as you know you have COVID-19.

Where can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

To find a COVID-19 vaccine in your area, use the Vaccines.gov online tool to find the nearest vaccination site, then call or visit the provider’s website to make an appointment.

What is RSV?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) as a common respiratory virus. RSV is an illness from which most people recover within a week or two. However, RSV can be serious depending on a person’s underlying condition and other health factors.

RSV symptoms appear four to six days after infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified these symptoms associated with RSV: runny nose, loss of appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever, and wheezing.

The CDC adds that symptoms do not appear all at once, but in stages.

More serious infections can lead to bronchiolitis, inflammation of the small airways in the lungs, pneumonia, and lung infections.

Is there a vaccine to prevent RSV?

In May 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first RSV vaccine, Arexvy, for use in the United States. The vaccine, produced by British pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline, is suitable for people over 60 years old and helps prevent lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) caused by RSV.

The FDA has since approved a second vaccine, the first for use in pregnant women, to prevent respiratory syncytial virus infection in infants. Pfizer’s Abrysvo is indicated for use in people between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation to prevent LRTD in infants from birth to 6 months of age.

What is influenza? How does it spread?

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness that most people know as influenza. In addition to the typical runny nose and sore throat, infected people may experience symptoms such as fever, body aches, fatigue and headaches.

As stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, influenza viruses are spread through droplets. “Most experts believe that influenza viruses spread primarily through small droplets produced when someone with the flu coughs, sneezes, or talks,” details a blog post on the CDC website.

If you have the flu, it’s good to know that people are most contagious during the first 3 or 4 days after getting sick. This infection can be spread to healthy adults even one day before symptoms appear and up to 7 days after onset.

Where can I get a flu shot?

To find flu shots in your area, you can use the Vaccines.gov online tool to search for the nearest vaccination site, then call or visit the provider’s website to make an appointment.

Do you have a question our reporters can answer? Contact Raphael Romero Ruiz via email at rromeroruiz@gannett.com or x (formerly Twitter), @rafaeldrager.

Translated by Joanna Jacob Rivera