Respiratory Illness on the Rise

Thursday, November 3, 2022 at 6:10 AM

By Scott McCaulley @smcckc

Respiratory illnesses are being diagnosed earlier than normal this year.

The Taney County Health Department issued a release on Wednesday echoing what many health organizations have reported across the country, that illnesses such as the flu, COVID-19, and RSV are on the rise, especially in children.

The CDC says symptoms of the flu and COVID-19 are very similar though loss of taste is mostly unique to COVID while RSV Symptoms are very similar to a cold and can include fevers and wheezing.

The complete release from the Taney County Health Department is below:

Respiratory illnesses such as the flu, COVID-19, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are being diagnosed earlier than normal this year, especially in children. A respiratory illness is an infection of the lungs, airways, sinuses, or throat. Respiratory illnesses can happen year-round and tend to increase significantly during the colder months, as people spend more time indoors.

Respiratory illnesses can be prevented by good hand washing, staying home if you are sick and getting vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19. Currently, there is no vaccine for RSV. Please call the Taney County Health Department or your area health department or provider to schedule your appointment for a vaccine today.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the flu, and COVID-19 have similar symptoms,
making it hard to tell which one you have. A symptom that may be unique to COVID-19 is the loss of
taste or smell.

Symptoms of the flu, and COVID-19 include:
 Fever
 Chills
 Headaches
 Cough
 Muscle soreness
 Fatigue
 Vomiting
 Diarrhea
 Shortness of breath
 Runny nose
 Sore throat

RSV can infect anyone but is most dangerous in infants and the elderly. The symptoms of RSV are like a
cold. Symptoms of RSV can be severe in infants and the elderly and can include fevers and wheezing.
Some cases may require hospitalization, but most infections run their course within 1 to 2 weeks. If your
baby is unusually tired, breathing rapidly or has bluish fingernails, call 911 or go to the ER immediately.

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