Fight flu, COVID, and RSV this fall with expert advice.

The last days of summer are here and the cooler months are on the horizon. As we look to recover from the impact of the pandemic, it's important to take steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones from the three most common viruses: flu, RSV, and COVID.

Whether you're a parent sending your kids back to school or you're getting ready to head back to the office, preventing illnesses is a priority. Experts have shared their advice on which, if any, vaccines are necessary. Dr. Payal Patel, an infectious disease physician at Intermountain Health in Utah, says that "all three are, in general, strongly recommended for the populations they’re intended for."

For those who may be concerned about the safety of vaccines, the flu vaccine has the longest record of effectiveness. Each year, medical experts create a vaccine that protects against the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest scheduling flu vaccinations starting in late September.

When it comes to COVID and RSV, the advice is more complex. The Biden administration may have ended the national public health emergency, but the virus is still a significant health risk. The CDC is looking into boosters from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax to determine whether they should be used during the cooler months. If approved, the boosters will be available for those 75 or older, pregnant, or immunocompromised.

Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is another virus that can be particularly fatal for the elderly. Around 10,000 adults die from RSV each year, while children under the age of 5 are often hospitalized. Although the virus has been around since the 1950s, the vaccine was just introduced this year. We have yet to determine the effectiveness of the vaccine in combating the symptoms of RSV.

As we begin to prepare for the fall and winter months, it's important to stay up to date on vaccines and other preventative measures. Staying healthy is key to avoiding lost days due to illness.

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