We have become accustomed to the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 over the past years. Thankfully, we now have opportunity for antigen home testing, in addition to PCR testing, to identify COVID and if positive follow the prescribed isolation guidance.
The best way to prevent COVID-19 is by getting a COVID-19 vaccination and keeping up with COVID-19 boosters. Visit https://www.bedfordma.gov/health-department/pages/covid-19-bivalent-booster-vaccination-clinics to schedule a booster shot. There are clinics offered by the Bedford Health Department during the month of November.
There are two other viruses that we are confronting this season. Influenza (flu) and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) cases are already making an impact on hospital admissions this fall, especially in the pediatric setting. It’s important to learn how to safeguard against these viruses.
Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. These viruses may cause mild to severe symptoms, that in some cases lead to hospitalization and death, even in healthy individuals. Influenza season has officially begun in Massachusetts.
The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu shot. Please visit https://www.bedfordma.gov/health-department to schedule your influenza shots. Flu vaccine is available for those aged 6 months and older. There are many clinics scheduled during the month of November.
RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs) in children younger than 1 year of age in the United States.
Good health habits like avoiding people who are sick, covering a cough and washing hands are ways to help stop the spread of germs and all of these respiratory illnesses.
Any person experiencing fever with cough or sore throat may have influenza, COVID-19, or another respiratory virus. It’s important to stay home from work and school and avoid contact with others. If you wish to visit your primary care physician’s office, be sure to mention your symptoms. The medical office may have strategies to avoid the spread of illness to others. Testing for influenza, COVID-19 or RSV may be recommended. Be sure to include your school nurse in your communications if your child is ill.
For more information about influenza visit https://www.mass.gov/influenza and https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season.htm. For more information about RSV visit https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/index.html. For more information about COVID-19 visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html and https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-updates-and-information.
Please call the Bedford Health Department 781-275-6507 with any questions.
