Respiratory viruses are on the rise around the Bay Area, and the county recommends people get vaccinated, tested, or stay home if they feel sick.
Preston Merchant, San Mateo County's communications officer, said there is concern over illnesses as people spend more time traveling and in larger indoor gatherings during the holiday season.
"We want people to be prepared," Merchant said. "All the good practices that we know from COVID-19 apply for RSV and the flu."
Sequoia Hospital is seeing an uptick in respiratory illness, specifically a rise in Respiratory Syncytial Virus, compared to years before, said Cheryl Flesner, Sequoia Hospital infection preventionist.
"It is very early for us. We usually don't see this until late December," Flesner said.
RSV, which has been around for a long time, carries similar symptoms to the flu, such as runny nose, cough, fever, and wheezing, lasting four to seven days. For most people, covering their mouths when coughing, washing hands, disinfecting surfaces, staying home when they feel sick, staying hydrated, and taking over-the-counter medications can be helpful to those who are suffering, Flesner said.
"People can always call their doctor if they are not feeling well; the cough can cause people to vomit, and if people aren't able to keep fluids down, that's a good time to call the doctor," Flesner said.
One of the best ways to prevent COVID-19, influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus is to stay up to date on vaccinations, all of which are safe to be given simultaneously. The county recommends one dose of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines for anybody over six months, and adults 60 years and older can get vaccinated for RSV. For residents without health insurance, visit https://www.vaccines.gov/, according to a San Mateo County press release
"It is not too late to get vaccinated. Anybody from six months and older is eligible for the new COVID-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine," Flesner said.
Most importantly, if residents in the county are feeling sick, they should stay home until they recover, regardless of what virus they have. It's the best way to keep from spreading the illness, according to the release.
It's best to wear a mask in indoor public places, especially for those at higher risk for severe disease or over 65. Residents can also improve indoor ventilation by turning on HVAC systems, filtering the air with a portable HEPA filter, and opening windows, according to the release.
Visit https://www.covid.gov/tests to receive free at-home COVID-19 test kits.
