The season for respiratory viral infections is soon approaching. Over 200 viruses have been identified that can cause human respiratory tract infections. Among these, influenza, COVID, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can cause more severe disease, particularly in the very old and the very young, as well as in anyone with a suppressed immune system or with other chronic medical problems. Rarely, these infections can be severe even in otherwise healthy individuals.
There is no longer a requirement to report COVID illness or positive test results to LBNL Health Services, but many of the prevention strategies we learned during the Pandemic are still strongly recommended. LBNL Health Services offers influenza and COVID vaccination annually, usually in October and November.
What can anyone do to prevent or decrease the chance of becoming ill or manage their condition if they do become ill?
In addition to vaccination for some conditions, preventative measures for any respiratory tract infection include:
- Staying home and otherwise keeping some distance from others when ill
- Seeking medical care if symptoms are moderate to severe or progressive
- Proper cough etiquette/“covering one’s cough” and mask-wear
- Regular, adequate “hand hygiene, even when not ill
- Knowing whether you or family members have any underlying medical condition or are at an age that increases risk of doing poorly with a respiration infection, and seeking medical care as soon as one feels ill if any of these apply
- Waiting until your symptoms are improving for 1-3 days and fever has resolved for at least 24 hours without the use of fever medication before returning to work or other public activities
We became much more familiar with these strategies during the Pandemic, but they have been and will always be principles which are effective at limiting the impact of any respiratory virus on ourselves, our coworkers and communities – whether it be the minor but real nuisance of a rhinoviral “common cold” or a severe case of the flu….or worse.
For additional general information about respiratory infections, check out the CDC’s website on the subject. Specific information about respiratory infections in California can be found here. If you are interested in more details about prevention, check out the CDC’s website on this subject.
Do we need to worry about avian, swine and other forms of influenza?
Occasionally strains of avian, swine, or other variant influenza can cause disease in humans who are exposed to infected animals. Disease severity varies depending on the specific virus strain. At this time, human-to-human contagiousness does not occur, but that situation could change based on mutation of any of these viruses. This situation continues to be followed by many agencies. If there is a danger to humans in general, Health Services will advise the Lab community. Those interested in the current situation can check the CDC sites on avian flu and swine flu.
