Dr. Carol Epling, Duke's executive director of Employee Health and Wellness (EOHW), to learn more about the current threat of influenza, COVID-19 and RSV and what we can do to keep ourselves and those around us healthy this winter. .
What is happening now with COVID, flu and RSV?
The winter months, especially the weeks after the holidays, usually see an increase in respiratory illnesses. Epling said this year is no different, but with the flu, COVID-19 and RSV combined to be dangerous for young children and the elderly, this threat deserves our attention.
"It's been very busy in terms of the number of COVID cases, but the overall numbers are not as high as last year," Epling said. "It will be the fourth flu season, and we have also experienced the spread of COVID-19, and over the years the cases have increased during this period. Because people gather more often to celebrate and eat, and fewer people wear masks. We give ourselves more opportunities to infect and transmit these respiratory viruses to each other.
Epling also said that the JN.1 variant of COVID-19, which currently causes most cases, is highly contagious.
"We know that COVID is here to stay, so this extends the normal winter virus season," Epling said.
How to stay healthy?
Epling stressed that vaccination is the best way to prevent the flu or COVID-19 from getting worse. And since the COVID-19 and flu vaccines begin to protect about two weeks after vaccination, getting vaccinated now can still protect you through most of the flu and COVID seasons.
The updated COVID-19 vaccine, which became available in September, provides effective protection against Omicron-related strains of the virus and is effective against the current JN.1 variant.
"The benefits of the vaccine in preventing serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID persist," Epling said.
The updated COVID-19 vaccine is available from your healthcare provider, including by appointment at Duke and Duke South Clinics 1J primary care sites or pharmacies. Immunizations are fully covered by Duke employee health plans.
Flu treatments are also available from most doctors and pharmacies. Free flu shots are available to Duke faculty and staff at three EOHW clinics, including the Duke South Orange Zone EOHW Clinic basement location, weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except Wednesdays, from 12:00 to 14:00.
"If you haven't gotten your flu shot, I encourage you to," Epling said. "Now the flu is very active."
The CDC estimates that 6,500 people have died from the flu in the US this season.
What should you do if you feel sick?
If you have common symptoms of respiratory illness, such as fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, or fatigue, or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for a respiratory illness (positive for COVID-19), get tested for COVID-19. with commonly available rapid antigen test kits for home use or make your appointment for testing online.
Staff and faculty may also obtain counseling and testing appointments by calling the Duke Employee Exposure Hotline at 919-385-0429, option 1. The phone is open on weekdays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and on weekends from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. .
Every household in the United States can request four free tests starting November 20, 2023. If you did not order four tests at the beginning of the fall, you can order two to make eight tests.
If you test positive for COVID-19, Epling recommends isolating yourself from others for at least five days. In addition to the mandatory five-day isolation, you must have improved symptoms for at least 24 hours without fever, diarrhea or vomiting before returning to work. You must also wear a suitable mask for 10 days after symptoms appear to reduce the risk to others.
If you contact EOHW after a positive test result, you will also receive useful information about next steps and possible treatment options.
If home test results are negative, but you have persistent flu-like symptoms or respiratory illness, Epling recommends staying home and scheduling further testing.
"If the home test is negative, you may still have COVID," Epling said. "Molecular testing performed at Duke Medicine Pavilion staff swab clinics and primary care or urgent care clinics may provide more accurate test results for COVID." You can get flu and RSV tests at the same time. If you have risk factors for serious illness, this test can help determine if there are preventative measures or medications that can help treat it.
The CDC provides additional information to help you understand the differences between the flu and COVID-19.
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