Ask a healthcare pro: what’s the latest on COVID-19, cold, flu, and RSV?

As we head towards colder weather, most people know that cold and flu season is not far behind. This year there is an added need to prepare for COVID-19, particularly the new EG.5 Omicron subvariant that’s circulating, as well as respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. To answer all your questions, we asked some Hello Alpha providers to weigh in on the latest COVID, cold, and flu news.

Is there anything new to know about COVID-19 this year?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released updated guidance in mid-September around COVID-19, mainly centering around the importance of getting vaccinated. Vaccines continue to be the best way to protect against severe complications and the CDC recommends everyone ages 6 months and older receive an updated COVID vaccine to protect themselves and others in their communities. If you’re unsure if the vaccine is right for you due to a health condition, check with your healthcare provider for appropriate guidance.

The virus that causes COVID-19 changes constantly, and protection from previous vaccines can decline over time. Getting a booster can both restore protection as well as provide enhanced protection from severe illness.

So far, hundreds of millions of people have safely received a COVID-19 vaccine. During the last cold and flu season, those who received a 2022–2023 COVID-19 vaccine saw greater protection against illness and hospitalization than those who did not receive a 2022–2023 vaccine.

An important part of limiting the spread of COVID-19 is testing. As of September 25th, 2023, the U.S. government is offering residential households four at-home tests through USPS.

I’ve been hearing a lot about RSV this year. What is that?

Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common winter virus that usually causes mild cold-like illness. The CDC states that symptoms of RSV infection usually include:

• Runny nose
• Decrease in appetite
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Fever
• Wheezing

Usually symptoms will resolve on their own in a week or two and typical cold remedies apply: manage fever and pain with over-the-counter acetaminophen or ibuprofen, make sure to drink plenty of fluids, and get plenty of rest. It’s quite common, and, in fact, it’s estimated that almost all children will have had an RSV infection by their second birthday.

That said, RSV can cause serious health problems particularly for young children and older adults. If people are having trouble breathing or are dehydrated, reach out to a healthcare provider right away.

Luckily, in the spring of 2023, the FDA approved the first RSV vaccine for people aged 60 and older. If you meet the criteria, talk to your healthcare provider to see if a vaccine makes sense for you. Unfortunately, there is no RSV vaccine for young children, however those under eight months (and some who are older) can receive an advance antibody treatment to prevent severe illness. Parents may want to ask their pediatrician about it. Please note that It’s relatively new and it may be more widely available later this year.

Do I really need to get a flu shot?

When people get influenza or “the flu” it can be more than just a cough or a slightly upset stomach. It can be a serious disease that can be marked by fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, and vomiting or diarrhea. Typically symptoms come on suddenly and it can knock people out for weeks, even younger people.

Beyond that, influenza taxes the body and puts a lot of stress on all of the other systems, which can cause serious complications including making heart attacks and strokes more common, particularly among older people. The flu officially kills about 35,000 Americans in a typical year, and the true toll is probably higher.

The best way to reduce your risk from seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications is to get vaccinated every year. This year’s flu vaccines are available now at drugstores, hospitals, doctor’s offices, and elsewhere.

So, yes: flu shots are highly recommended.

Is there anything unique in terms of women’s health when it comes to cold, flu, COVID, or RSV?

Scientifically, no. But many women are caregivers and often put others’ needs before their own and may delay their care. Being proactive, like getting a flu shot or a COVID booster this season, can help keep women healthy.

If you do get sick, acting quickly might help make your illness milder or shorten the time you are sick; there are antiviral drugs available by prescription that might be appropriate. Check with your healthcare provider when you start to feel ill.

Are there any myths or misconceptions you can clear up?

The color of your snot means nothing. :)

Is there a sense that with RSV, the flu, and COVID-19, that this could be a worse than usual winter for illnesses?

It’s hard to say. We’ve seen over the past number of years that as we head into the fall, we tend to see that uptick especially as more people are heading indoors, but there’s no evidence to strongly suggest that things are going to be much worse this coming year than they were pre-pandemic.

What can I do to stay healthy this season?

There are a number of things to do to try to prevent illness and stay healthy:

• Wash your hands often
• Try not to touch your face, particularly your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Avoid close contact with sick people
• Stay home if you are sick
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that are touched often
• Get vaccinated if appropriate

How does a virtual visit for cold, flu, or COVID-19 work at Hello Alpha? What should I expect?

As a virtual primary care platform, Hello Alpha providers go beyond treating the symptoms alone to understand whole body health. If you’re experiencing respiratory symptoms, here’s what to expect from a visit:

1. Start a visit for cold and flu or for COVID-19 and then answer questions about your health whenever and wherever you’re comfortable — no appointments or waiting rooms.
2. Your Alpha Provider will review the information and develop a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs.
3. Please keep in mind that your Alpha provider only prescribes medication when appropriate. Your Alpha provider may recommend that you seek in-person treatment if your condition cannot be adequately treated through our virtual platform.

It is always appreciated to add comments and elaborate on any symptoms you’re experiencing. More info is better, and it might reduce the need for us to send follow-up messages if we can qualify/quantify symptoms in order to appropriately treat, thus expediting care (including triaging to a higher level of care, if needed).

​​If you need support, regardless of whether you seek care from Hello Alpha or another healthcare provider, please take care of yourself. Respiratory illnesses can be serious and prompt treatment can help.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS BLOG DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE.

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational/educational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. A patient-client relationship will only be formed after you enter into a written agreement with an Alpha provider. Always consult a professional in the area for your particular needs before undertaking any new healthcare regimen.