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Answers to Your Respiratory Illness Questions - Flu, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) & COVID-19

April 18, 2025

Overview

Respiratory viruses — from the familiar cold to influenza, RSV, and COVID‑19 — spread every year, but up‑to‑date vaccines plus simple everyday habits such as hand‑washing, good indoor air, and staying home when sick now make most infections preventable or mild. This page gives South Heartland residents a one‑stop guide to what’s circulating, who is most at risk, how to lower your chances of getting sick, and where to turn for testing, treatment, and reliable updates.​ Sources: CDC, Nebraska DHHS, CDC COVID Data Tracker, World Health Organization (WHO)

1. What Counts as a “Respiratory Illness”?

Respiratory illnesses are infections that mainly affect the nose, throat, or lungs and spread through droplets, aerosols, or contaminated hands. The most common are:

Virus Key Symptoms Who’s at Highest Risk Vaccine?
Influenza (Flu) Sudden fever, body aches, cough Adults 65 +, young children, pregnant people, chronic conditions Yes – annual shot for everyone ≥6 mo old​. Sources: CDC
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Runny nose, wheeze, trouble breathing in babies Infants <6 mo, adults ≥60, chronic heart/lung disease Yes – one‑time shot for adults ≥75 (or 60–74 w/risks) and a maternal dose in late pregnancy to protect newborns​CDC, CDC, Reuters
COVID‑19 (SARS‑CoV‑2) Sore throat, cough, fatigue, loss of taste/smell Adults 65 +, immune‑suppressed, obesity, heart, lung, kidney disease Yes – 2024‑25 XBB‑formulation for all ≥6 mo; boosters for some groups​ CDC, CDC COVID Data Tracker
Common colds (rhinovirus, others) Stuffy/runny nose, mild cough People with asthma or COPD may flare No; treat symptoms ​MedlinePlus

Other culprits include adenovirus, parainfluenza (croup), metapneumovirus, and bacterial pneumonias.

2. Current Activity in South Heartland / Nebraska

3. Prevention: Layer Up Your Defences

3.1 Vaccination

  • Flu: One dose each fall for everyone ≥6 months; high‑dose or adjuvanted shot for adults ≥65. Source: CDC

  • RSV: A single Arexvy®, Abrysvo®, or mRESVIA® dose for adults 75 + (and 60–74 yrs with chronic conditions); maternal Abrysvo® at 32–36 weeks pregnancy protects infants.​ Sources: CDC, CDC

  • COVID‑19: 2024‑25 XBB vaccine available free via insurance or the Bridge Access Program for uninsured adults. Sources: ​CDC, CDC COVID Data Tracker

3.2 Everyday Actions

  1. Clean hands often – scrubbing with soap for 20 seconds can prevent community respiratory infections by ~20 %. Source: ​PMC

  2. Cover coughs & sneezes – tissue or elbow, then wash hands. Source: ​CDC

  3. Improve indoor air – open windows, run HVAC on “fan,” or use a HEPA purifier; better ventilation slashes viral particles.​ Sources: CDC, US EPA

  4. Stay home when sick – follow CDC’s unified guidance: isolate until 24 h fever‑free and symptoms improving, then wear a mask for 5 days if you must be around others.​ Source: CDC

  5. Quit or avoid smoking – smoke irritates lungs and raises infection risk. Source: ​Nebraska DHHS

4. Recognising Symptoms & Emergency Warning Signs

Most viral illnesses start with sore throat, congestion, or cough. Seek urgent care for: trouble breathing, chest pain, new confusion, blue or gray lips/nails, or a child who can’t drink or wakes only briefly.​ Source: CDC

5. Testing & Treatment

Virus Diagnostic Test First‑line Treatment Timing Matters
COVID‑19 At‑home antigen (15 min) or PCR - Pick up at our office today: Call 402 462 6211 Paxlovid™ (5 days) or 3‑day remdesivir Start ≤5 days after symptoms for best results.​ Source: CDC
Flu Rapid flu/RSV PCR (clinic) or pharmacy Oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) 5 days Best if ≤48 h from onset.​ Source: CDC, Time
RSV PCR or antigen (babies, elderly) Supportive (fluids, oxygen); monoclonal (nirsevimab) for some infants Early test guides care & limits hospital spread.​ Source: CDC
Colds/Other Usually clinical diagnosis Rest, fluids, OTC pain relievers/decongestants Symptom relief only; antibiotics won’t help.​ Source: MedlinePlus, MedlinePlus

Test‑to‑Treat: Enter your zip code at Test-to-Treat to find pharmacies offering one‑stop COVID testing and antivirals; most accept private insurance, Medicaid/Medicare, or Bridge Access vouchers. Source: ​CDC COVID Data Tracker

6. Protecting High‑Risk Neighbours

  • Infants <6 months: maternal RSV vaccine + nirsevimab antibody at birth seasonally. Source: ​CDC

  • Older Adults & Pregnant People: keep vaccines current; have home test kits handy; ask your clinician about early antivirals.​ Sources: CDC, CDC, CDC

  • Chronic Conditions: monitor air quality, avoid indoor crowds during spikes, and have action plans for asthma/COPD.​ Sources: US EPA

7. Stay Informed

  1. SHDHD Weekly Dashboard & Email Alerts - Coming Soon! 

  2. Nebraska DHHS Seasonal Respiratory Diseases page – weekly state report.​ Source: Nebraska DHHS

  3. CDC Respiratory Virus Guidance hub – national updates and prevention tips. Sources: ​CDC

  4. WHO Flu Update – global trends, useful for travelers.​ Sources: World Health Organization (WHO)

Questions? Call SHDHD at 402‑462‑6211 or email Health Surveillance Coordinator at devi.dwarabandam@shdhd.org. Together we can keep South Heartland breathing easy year‑round.

 

Respiratory Virus Guidance Snapshot, Core Prevention strategies which are Immunizations, Hygiene, Steps for Cleaner Air, Treatment, Stay Home and Prevent Spread. Additional Prevention Strategies are Masks, Distancing, Test. Stay home and away from others until, for 24 hours Both: Your symptoms are getting better and You are fever-free without meds. Then take added precaution for the next 5 days.

 

  • Need a vaccine?

  • Need a test kit? You can pick one up for free at South Heartland! Call 402-462-6211 for details. For a list of at-home COVID-19 tests and their expiration dates, click here. 

  • Need to check local COVID-19 statistics? See SHDHD's COVID-19 Dashboard!

  • Need to check the wastewater contamination levels? It's one of the best indicators of COVID-19 in our community. Check out the COVID-19 wastewater levels in Hastings.