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Every year, respiratory viruses such as flu, covid and RSV lead to millions of people get sick and thousands of people die.
You can reduce your risk by being vaccinated.
Did you know?
People over the age of 65 and those who are immunodrusted should receive a 2nd Covid vaccine 6 months after their first dose.
Who is a risk of respiratory infections?
Everyone is a risk of respiratory infections, but some people have a higher risk of serious illnesses or hospital stays.
They are considered a high risk of a difficult case of flu or covid if they:
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Are 65 years or older
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Are pregnant
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Have a weakened immune system
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Have certain health diseases such as:
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Heart disease
-
obesity
-
asthma
They are considered a high risk of a difficult case of RSV if they:
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Are 75 years or older
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Are 60–74 years old and live in a long -term care facility
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Have certain health diseases such as:
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Heart, lung and kidney disease
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obesity
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diabetes
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asthma
How can you see the difference between these infections?
The flu, covid and RSV all cause similar symptoms that can last from mild to fatal.
The frequent symptoms of these 3 viruses include:
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Fever
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Cough
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Headache
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Running or stuffy nose
Other symptoms occur more frequently for certain viruses than others.
|
flu |
Covid |
RSV |
|
|
Muscle pain/bodyache |
Often |
Sometimes |
Rarely |
|
Difficulty breathing |
Rarely |
Often |
Sometimes |
|
Fatigue or weakness |
Often |
Often |
Rarely |
|
Fever |
Often (can be up to 103 or 104) |
Sometimes (mild fever of 99 or 100) |
Sometimes (mild fever of 99 or 100) |
|
Loss of taste or odor |
Rarely |
Sometimes |
Rarely |
|
Sore throat |
Sometimes |
Often |
Rarely |
|
Bubble |
Rarely |
Rarely |
Often |
|
chills |
Often |
Often |
Rarely |
|
Sneeze |
Sometimes |
Sometimes |
Sometimes |
|
Diarrhea/vomiting |
Sometimes |
Sometimes |
Rarely |
One way to help you find out which virus you have is how quickly the symptoms occur.
-
The flu comes quickly and is felt everywhere in the body
-
Covid and RSV often start slowly with sniffles, followed by cough and headac he
The only way to know safely is to be tested.
Vaccines to protect them from flu, covid and RSV
Vaccines can help keep the symptoms easy and prevent serious illnesses and hospital stays.
Flu and covid vaccines are recommended for:
-
All from 6 months and older
It is particularly important to be vaccinated if you are from 65 or have a high risk of serious illnesses.
The RSV vaccine is recommended for adults:
-
Age 75 years and older
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From the age of 60 or older in nursing homes or under certain health conditions
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32 – 36 weeks pregnant during the RSV season
This educational resource was created with the support of Novavax, a healthy member of the corporate Advisory Council.
