BHSJ Health Agency urges vaccinations as respiratory illnesses spread
Branch Hillsdale St. Joseph Health Agency officials are warning residents to take precautions and get vaccinated as respiratory illnesses continue to spread.
“(Respiratory illnesses continue) to be very high in Michigan and in most areas of the US. it’s a particularly bad flu season in relation to recent years,” Branch Hillsdale St. Joseph Health Agency Director Rebecca Burns told her board Thursday morning.
Dr. Karen Luparello, the agency’s medical director said, “Right now, COVID looks like it’s on the downswing. The flu is still rising. So, if you haven’t had your flu vaccine, we’re still recommending that you come and get it.”
Luparello noted that while influenza A and B are the most common illnesses, the flu vaccine does not prevent catching viruses. The vaccines can help lessen the severity of symptoms rather than entirely prevent the illnesses.
The medical director said most people with respiratory illnesses are not tested, so the statistics don’t reflect the actual number of cases in communities. “The statistics are probably even higher than we think,” she said.
Because of all the respiratory illnesses during flu season, distinguishing between influenza, COVID-19, RSV, and other conditions without testing can be challenging.
Luparello said individuals should remain conscientious about their health and the health of others.
“Disease is out there in every realm. People are sick this time of the year. Everybody’s coughing and sneezing, and you’re seeing less and less masking,” she added.
The doctor said the flu spreads easily, often before symptoms appear, contributing to its rapid transmission. Consequently, healthy individuals unknowingly risk spreading the virus to those at greater risk.
“There are some antiviral medications if you get on them soon enough after your symptoms start. Your provider probably won’t give that to everyone,” Luparello said. “We worry mostly about older people and and any people with health risks like diabetes, hypertension, any autoimmune disease. We’re very worried about them.”
Agency Director of Disease Prevention Heidi Hazel reported Thursday that pediatric deaths, “Are now up to 86 nationally, and three for Michigan.”
Luparello said the latest national data statistics from the 2021-2022 flu season showed millions of cases, significant hospitalizations, and deaths.
The medical director warned that to prevent the spread as the seasons continue, she advocates for vaccination, good hygiene practices, and public awareness regarding the contagious nature of the flu and other respiratory viruses.
Luparello said the most significant method of limiting the spread of the viruses is ensuring everyone gets vaccinated in a timely manner, ideally in the fall.
Luparello stressed the collective responsibility to protect public health during flu season and prevent and limit illnesses.
The medical director said, “If you’re considering your flu vaccine for next season, usually September and October are the best months to get your flu vaccine.” That is when new strains of flu occur.
Contact Don Reid: [email protected]
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