“There’s definitely something going around,†has to be the most overheard statement among West Virginians gathered in decent numbers anywhere recently. And it’s accurate.
School has resumed, with kids all over each others’ personal space for about seven hours a day during the week. The weather is starting to fluctuate between chilly in the morning and hot during the day. The flu and RSV are getting in the last of their preseason scrimmages, readying to hit the field at game speed. The latest COVID-19 variant is also showing increased cases in the Mountain State.
It’s the perfect storm. Many West Virginians have probably felt that scratchy throat in the morning recently and thought, “Oh no,†realizing they’re about to come down with that “something going around.†It’s just a question of what and how serious it might be.
So, now is as good a time as any to remind everyone what to do to help prevent catching a respiratory illness. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention starting with vaccinations. The flu shot is already available at some pharmacies and physicians’ offices. The same goes for the RSV vaccine, although the CDC only recommends immunization for infants or adults who are 75 or older (adults between the ages of 60 and 74 are eligible for the vaccine, if they’re at an increased risk for RSV).
New COVID vaccines also are on their way.
Frequent handwashing and proper ventilation in the home, schools and workplaces help lower the risk of picking up one of these bugs, too. People who are at a high risk of compounded health problems can mask up and social distance, if they’re going to be around a lot of people.
Prevention measures are especially important for West Virginians. Respiratory diseases pose a much higher risk of serious health problems to the elderly, the immunocompromised, people with disabilities and young children. West Virginia has a higher population of residents who fall into one or more of those categories (with the possible exception of young children) than most other states.
Plenty of ailments are making the rounds now, and things are only going to pick up, once October arrives. From there, it won’t slow down until early spring in 2025. Be prepared.
