CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – A return to school comes with a return to close quarters – indoors – with many other people.

We could see the increase spread of viruses, according to Doug Kasper, MD, an infectious disease specialist with OSF HealthCare.

“Not only are children, but the family unit as a whole is starting to do much more. They’re going to be exposed to each other much more than they have been over the next few months,” Dr. Kasper says.

The three main viruses remain the same as they have over the past few years: Influenza (flu), COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Dr. Kasper says, “Influenza in central Illinois starts to appear around November, and peaks in January. RSV, particularly in young children, starts to show up in September or October. COVID-19 has been a bit more seasonal each year, but we start to predict peaks in October. What you’ll notice is that all of those will start to overlap.”

The flu vaccine, Dr. Kasper says, is recommended for anyone 6 months or older. Whereas the RSV vaccine is only available to certain people.

“RSV is most severe in our younger populations, ages 2 or younger, or in those 60 and older. While vaccination is only offered in select age groups, including pregnant women, there is still benefit to the family unit for the family to make sure those who can be vaccinated against RSV do get those at the appropriate time,” Dr. Kasper says.

As for the COVID-19 vaccine, the recommendation for yearly vaccination is starting to resemble the same strategy as the flu vaccine.

“COVID-19 guidance will be a little different,” Dr. Kasper adds. “We’re expecting an updated vaccine that will come out in the fall, probably October. We’ll have unique recommendations for different age groups or those with medical conditions. But I’d expect the recommendation of one additional COVID-19 vaccine or booster for the fall into winter season.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists a dozen potential symptoms if you become sick with one of the abovementioned viruses.

–          Fever

–          Chills

–          Fatigue (tiredness)

–          Cough

–          Runny or stuffy nose

–          Decrease in appetite

–          Sore throat

–          Vomiting

–          New loss of taste or smell

–          Headache, muscle or body aches

–          Diarrhea

–          Weakness

The CDC’s current recommendation is to stay home until at least 24 hours after you are fever-free, and your symptoms are improving. Remember to wash your hands frequently. Talk to your doctor about your family’s individualized plan for staying healthy this year.