October 19, 2023
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone receive a flu shot and an updated COVID-19 vaccine this year. People may also want to consider getting the RSV vaccine if they're over 60 and have weakened immune systems. Federal health experts suggest people talk to their providers about the pros and cons of receiving the RSV vaccine especially if they are younger individuals, parents, or are currently pregnant. The CDC does recommend getting the flu and COVID-19 shots at the same time. Since it can take up to two weeks for any vaccine to become fully effective, recommendations are to get your shots before the end of October when flu season tends to begin.
It’s important to take preventive measures — like hosting a workplace program for flu and COVID-19 vaccinations — to limit the spread of infection in the workplace. Premera provides a handy Seasonal Immunization Provider list you can use to contact in-network providers to set up workplace COVID-19 and/or flu shot clinics. This list was recently updated with the most current information.
Navigating symptoms
With COVID-19, the flu, and RSV having similar symptoms, it can be difficult to know if you should get a test, quarantine, or just take it easy. Here are 5 things to know that will help your employees identify the cause of their symptoms:
- What are common flu symptoms?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu symptoms usually appear suddenly after exposure. Here are some of the possible signs you may have a flu:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
Flu can cause serious illness and sometimes death. Because this virus changes each year, it’s recommended that everyone who is eligible get a flu shot before the start of the flu season, which typically spans November through February. The flu is mostly contagious during the first 3-4 days of the illness, but sometimes can be contagious even longer. Visit the CDC website to find out more about the flu.
- How are flu symptoms different than COVID-19 symptoms?
What used to be a clear sign of COVID-19 is not so clear-cut anymore. Dulled senses of taste and smell are no longer considered good indicators of a COVID-19 infection. This makes it even harder to tell the difference between a cold, a flu, and a COVID-19 infection. The new COVID-19 variants like Eris (EG.5) and omicron BA.2.86, tend to have the following symptoms:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body ache
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Diarrhea
- Nausea or vomiting
These symptoms may be a sign of COVID-19 infection, but these also could mean you have a different illness.
Those sick with COVID-19 can spread the virus that causes the disease for 2-3 days before symptoms appear and you can still be infectious 8 days after you no longer have symptoms. If symptoms do appear, it’s best to keep clear of big gatherings and notify those you’ve been in contact with prior to the symptoms coming on. Learn more about COVID-19 here.
- When should I take a COVID-19 test?
If you have symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19, it’s recommended that you self-test with an at-home COVID-19 test first. You can also check with your primary care provider or your local pharmacy for a test. Many pharmacies offer “test to treat” meaning if you do test positive, they may be able to prescribe treatments for COVID-19.
You can get free at-home COVID-19 tests from the government at covidtests.gov. If you still have unused at-home tests kits, check the expiration dates as many of the expiration dates have been extended. Testing not only helps you but will also keep those around you safe. Don’t wait to test if you think you have contracted COVID-19.
- What should I do if I test positive for COVID-19 or if I’ve been exposed to someone with COVID-19?
The CDC recommends that if you test positive for COVID-19, you should stay home and isolate yourself from others for at least 5 days from the date you tested positive. If you had no symptoms, you can end isolation after 5 days. If you do have symptoms, the CDC recommends that you wait until you are fever-free for 24 hours, without the use of fever reducing medicines, to end your isolation.
It is also recommended that when you do end isolation, you continue to wear a mask when around others for at least 10 days. You can learn more about exposure and recommendations from the CDC here.
- What is RSV?
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a potentially dangerous, highly contagious virus that can cause respiratory disease. Anyone can get RSV, but doctors know it can be more serious for adults over 60, including those with underlying medical conditions, and babies.
RSV usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms that typically show up within 4 to 6 days after getting infected. Those symptoms include:
- Runny nose
- Decrease in appetite
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Wheezing
Anyone infected with RSV is usually contagious for 3 to 8 days but may be contagious for 1 to 2 days before symptoms appear. There is a new vaccine available, and the CDC recommends that you check with your provider about whether the RSV vaccine is appropriate for you.
Because symptoms are similar between all 3 viruses, it’s important to get tested and get appropriate treatment or medications as soon as possible. Check with your healthcare provider for more information on testing and treatments. The more education you have surrounding these infections, the safer you, your family, and your community will be.