As respiratory viruses rise, American Lung Affiliation affords recommendation

CHICAGO, Dec. 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The climate is cooling off, vacation lights are going up and sadly, respiratory viruses like influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 are growing. As households collect for the vacations, the American Lung Affiliation gives tricks to maintain youngsters and households wholesome this winter.

“Throughout this season of festive occasions, you will need to keep in mind that sure individuals are at a better danger of extreme sickness from respiratory sicknesses like younger youngsters, older adults and other people residing with continual lung illness. That’s the reason it’s important for everybody to be updated on their vaccinations, together with a seasonal flu shot and an up to date COVID-19 vaccine,” stated Albert Rizzo, MD, Chief Medical Officer for the American Lung Affiliation. “Along with flu, RSV and COVID-19, we’re seeing some localized will increase in circumstances of atypical pneumonia, also called strolling pneumonia, in youngsters. Not like flu, RSV and COVID-19, there is not a vaccine for strolling pneumonia, so it’s vital for fogeys to maintain their baby residence if they’re sick.”

Listed here are 5 suggestions to assist maintain your loved ones wholesome this vacation season:

1. Get your COVID-19 and flu photographs (and RSV shot if eligible): One of the best ways to remain wholesome and defend others is to be updated in your beneficial COVID-19 vaccinations and ensure all your family members – from these aged 6 months to 100+ years – are additionally updated on theirs. The up to date COVID-19 shot is predicted to supply safety in opposition to the newest variants and subvariants. It is also time in your annual flu shot. This 12 months for the primary time, RSV vaccines can be found for adults 60 and older and for people who’re pregnant between weeks 32-36 of being pregnant to guard newborns born throughout RSV season. There’s additionally a preventive antibody to assist defend infants in opposition to RSV. Staying present with all of your vaccinations is essential to defending your well being.
2. Order free COVID-19 exams: The federal government is offering not less than 4 free COVID-19 exams per family. Folks can order these at CovidTests.gov. It’s good to have exams available so if you happen to or somebody in your family begins having signs that may very well be COVID-19, you may check straight away.
3. Preserve your medicines and masks with you: If you’re touring, ensure to maintain your common medicines and a high-quality masks with you (not in your checked baggage). It’s good to have a masks available in case you are or can be with somebody who’s immunocompromised or at elevated danger for extreme illness and prefers you to put on one.
4. Wash your arms usually: Scrub with cleaning soap and water for not less than 20 seconds. For those who’re unable to clean your arms, utilizing hand sanitizer that incorporates not less than 60% alcohol is an effective various. Keep away from touching your eyes, nostril and mouth, because it permits the germs in your arms to succeed in moist, porous floor tissue the place the germs can enter your physique and trigger an infection.
5. Keep residence if you happen to’re sick: Keep residence if you end up feeling unwell. In case you have signs of COVID-19 or flu, it’s best to check instantly and call your healthcare supplier in case you are at excessive danger for extreme sickness to debate attainable therapy choices.

With RSV, the flu, COVID-19 and different respiratory sicknesses spreading nationwide, take steps to guard your self and people you like to make this a contented and wholesome vacation season for all. For extra data, go to Lung.org/Viruses.

Concerning the American Lung Affiliation
The American Lung Affiliation is the main group working to save lots of lives by enhancing lung well being and stopping lung illness by way of schooling, advocacy and analysis. The work of the American Lung Affiliation is concentrated on 4 strategic imperatives: to defeat lung most cancers; to champion clear air for all; to enhance the standard of life for these with lung illness and their households; and to create a tobacco-free future. For extra details about the American Lung Affiliation, which has a 4-star ranking from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Degree GuideStar Member, name 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or go to: Lung.org. To assist the work of the American Lung Affiliation, discover a native occasion at Lung.org/occasions.

CONTACT: Jill Dale | American Lung Affiliation
P: 312-940-7001 M: 720-438-8289E: [email protected]

SOURCE American Lung Affiliation