This story was reported and written by VPM News.
Dr. Laurie Forlano, Virginia’s state epidemiologist, says based on preliminary data, this year’s outlook for respiratory illnesses like the flu, RSV and COVID-19 will be similar to 2023.
The 2023-24 season was “moderately severe” and was similar to pre-COVID-19 infection rates, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The majority of illnesses spread from early November 2023 through the end of February.
“I think about those that are most vulnerable to severe illness or hospitalization, even death,” Forlano said. “Those are people with chronic medical conditions or immunocompromised, older adults and very young babies.”
Nearly 2,700 people died from pneumonia, influenza and/or COVID-19 last season, according to the Virginia Department of Health.
Forlano encouraged people to get vaccinated to prevent the most severe outcomes. She said vaccination rates in the state aren’t as high as she’d like them to be, partially because of skepticism fueled by misinformation about the health impacts and efficacy of vaccines.
She recommended patients seek out reliable sources of information, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and VDH.
With some rare exceptions, people six months and older should get both the flu and COVID vaccines, according to Forlano. The CDC recommends the RSV vaccine for older adults, pregnant people and newborns. Forlano suggested patients consult their doctors for specific guidance.
It’s also a good time to get vaccinated.
“October is kind of the sweet spot with respiratory illness season,” Forlano said. “It takes about two weeks for those vaccines to mount that immune response in your body. So, it’s good to get it now, and then you’re optimally protected for when those case counts start increasing.”
An unexpected benefit of the pandemic, according to Forlano, is expanded access to vaccines. She said they’re available at doctor’s offices, community pharmacies and local health departments.
A final piece of advice from the epidemiologist: “If you do get sick, please stay home if you can.”
Forlano said it’s a great way to stop the spread of illness — in addition to hand washing and, for those who are sick, wearing a mask in public.
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