Missouri – Missouri health officials are intensifying their public education campaigns on the need of protecting themselves against a trio of concerning respiratory diseases: influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and pertussis, sometimes known as whooping cough. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) highlights the vital need of immunizations in preserving health and avoiding serious consequences connected with these diseases with the start of the season for the respiratory illnesses.
Vaccination remains the mainstay of preventing and controlling respiratory diseases, which can quickly affect entire populations and have devastating effects especially to some vulnerable groups. These groups include small children, the elderly, pregnant people, those with pre-existing medical issues, and others.
Dr. Heidi Miller, Chief Medical Officer at DHSS, highlights the significant overlap between flu risks and chronic conditions, noting. According to Miller, the risk of heart attack is six times higher during the week following a flu diagnosis. This concerning figure emphasizes the wider effects on health of respiratory diseases outside their obvious symptoms.
The CDC advises everyone aged six months and above to get the annual flu vaccination for influenza, also known as the flu; this update has been made to reflect the strains projected to be most common in the 2024-2025 season. Missouri’s flu dashboard, which provides real-time data at both state and county levels, serves as a resource for tracking the disease’s spread and ensuring communities are well-informed and prepared.
Battling respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
RSV is particularly dangerous for infants and the elderly, leading to severe respiratory infections. Health officials are advocating for the use of newly available vaccines for older adults, pregnant women, and high-risk infants. The vaccination recommendations include:
- Adults aged 75 and older.
- Adults aged 60-74 who have elevated risk factors.
- Pregnant individuals during the peak RSV season, specifically those who are 32-36 weeks pregnant between September and January.
- Infants younger than 8 months, and high-risk children aged 8-19 months.
These vaccines, which require a prescription, are a new addition to the preventive arsenal and represent a significant advancement in protecting against RSV, which typically has its season from October through March.
Pertussis (whooping cough) awareness
Particularly with a noteworthy decline in vaccination rates among kindergarteners, pertussis, sometimes known as whoop cough, has exhibited a concerning rise in incidence in Missouri. Especially harmful for youngsters, the whooping cough produces acute coughing spells and is highly contagious. For pertussis, vaccination regimens call for Tdap for adults, teenagers, and pregnant third-trimester patients and DTaP for newborns and young children.
General preventive measures
Beyond vaccinations, Missouri health officials recommend several general preventive measures to curb the spread of these respiratory diseases:
- Regular hand washing with soap and water.
- Cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
- Using tissues or the inside of the elbow to cover coughs and sneezes.
- Staying home when exhibiting symptoms of illness.
- Ensuring adequate sleep to support immune function.
As we move deeper into the colder months, the concerted effort by health officials and the community will be crucial in mitigating the impact of these respiratory illnesses. By adhering to vaccination recommendations and maintaining rigorous preventive practices, Missourians can help protect not only themselves but also their communities from the potential ravages of the flu season and other respiratory challenges.
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