DHEC Says South Carolina Residents Need These Three Shots This Fall
The arrival of fall is also synonymous with the arrival of the flu and several respiratory ailments.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control is recommending people get at least three vaccinations to help ward off the most common illnesses at this time of the year. Cases of the flu, COVID-19, and RSV are expected to increase dramatically in the weeks ahead, according to Dr. Linda Bell, an epidemiologist with DHEC.
“We’ve already seen an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases over the last two months or so,” said Bell. Flu season officially began this month and usually lasts through May, with the peak arriving in late January or February.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months get an updated COVID-19 vaccine for the fall. It’s the first fall and winter virus season to have vaccines available for the three viruses that are expected to lead to the most hospitalizations.
The most common viruses and their symptoms include:
COVID-19: An infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 that can be severe, very contagious and spreads quickly. Symptoms include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.
RSV: Respiratory Syncytial Virus is a potentially dangerous, highly contagious virus that can cause respiratory disease. Anyone can get RSV, but doctors say it can be more serious for adults over 60. Even including those with underlying medical conditions, and babies. Symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, congestion, headache and fatigue. A cough or sneeze can easily spread RSV.
Flu: A common viral infection that attacks the lungs, nose, and throat. Young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic disease or weak immune systems are at the highest risk. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue and sometimes nausea and vomiting.
The CDC recommends getting the flu and COVID-19 vaccines together. The CDC says no guidance has been given yet about getting the RSV vaccine at the same time.
Most insurance plans should cover the cost of the flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Coverage for the RSV vaccine will vary.
