How Locals Can Prevent Respiratory Infections This Fall and Winter
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How Locals Can Prevent Respiratory
Infections This Fall and Winter
By Chris Maney
Respiratory infections are expected to rise again in the coming months. Concerning among early surveillance is a rise in “walking pneumonia cases,” among a younger population, aged 2-4, not traditionally seen in previous public health surveillance. “Walking pneumonia,” is caused by a bacterial pathogen called, Mycoplasma Pneumoniae, or MP. It should be noted that walking pneumonia is not a medical term, it is a layman’s term which describes a mild atypical pneumonia, which generally allows individuals to continue daily activities.
The disease reemerged globally after significantly lower prevalence during the COVID-19 pandemic, attributed to an increase in infection precautions taken globally. Currently, the Centers of Disease Control estimates a 600% increase in MP infections. Most problematic is its impact on a younger age group not traditionally seen, meaning complications and risks are not as well understood. While the illness is traditionally mild, with a total case fatality rate below .1% – infection carries risk of a severe pneumonia, exacerbations of asthma, and chronic infections. There is currently no vaccine for Mycoplasma Pneumoniae, and those infected, if treated, would receive a nontraditional antibiotic based on an evaluation of the patient’s risks of worsening illness, which could present as a more severe form of pneumonia requiring hospitalization.
The State of Tennessee along with other states has seen a significant rise in whooping cough, or pertussis. “Whooping” cough is described by its classic seal like bark sound. Fortunately, a vaccine for pertussis exists – given as Tdap or DTaP, both are combination vaccines. Infants or babies less than 1 years old are at the greatest risk of complications from pertussis such as pneumonia and death, emphasizing the importance of vaccination and prevention.
This is paired with an expected rise of infections such as Influenza, COVID-19, and RSV. There are many ways to protect oneself and others from seasonal infections. For Influenza, RSV, and COVID-19, vaccines remain available, though the immune system can sometimes take multiple weeks to produce protective antibodies. This means exposure to these infections very soon after vaccination will have little to no protective effect. It is important to receive vaccinations before the likelihood of exposure and infection is high, so that the vaccine may have a protective effect. The vaccines can prevent some infections and if infected, reduce severity and risk of hospitalization, especially for those 65 years and older.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV, continues to cause hospitalization and death yearly. For most adults, it is a virus that causes cold like symptoms, infecting millions each fall, but can bring about severe complications for those in at risk categories. It’s a driver of both elderly and infant hospitalization and mortality. For those seeking the RSV vaccine, it is only available in adults aged 60 and older. It was first introduced last year to address the impact of RSV on older adults. According to The University of Minnesota, “RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization for US infants, but it also causes severe and serious illnesses in adults, especially those 75 and older.” Some have compared RSV hospitalization rates and deaths to milder influenza seasons. Non pharmaceutical interventions for all infections listed include hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, preferably with the arm instead of hand, and staying home when sick. To reduce the risk of RSV to young children who are vulnerable to complications, avoid being around them when sick and avoid kissing and close contact with youth to prevent unknowingly transmitting the infection.
While risk of morbidity and mortality to Fall respiratory illnesses is generally based on factors such as age, preexisting illnesses, and immune status – a vast majority of healthy individuals will not experience complications. Though the protection of vulnerable populations relies on doing even the smallest things to prevent spreading bacteria or viruses such as practicing basic prevention, pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical, such as those listed prior.
For those who are seeking information about their risk and need guidance on steps to be taken, consult your medical provider.