Here Comes Fall Along With RSV, The Flu and Covid-19 in Yakima

Get that flu shot yet? Health officials say the shots are free and can help you avoid getting sick with the flu this fall. Officials at the Yakima Health District urge you to get the vaccine along with a COVID-19 booster.

HEALTH OFFICIALS SAY PREPARE YOURSELF FOR A SLEW OF VIRUSES

The flu, COVID-19 and now RSV are big concerns in Yakima this fall. Dr. Helen Chu, a University of Washington Medicine expert says they expect to see all three viruses circulating this fall and winter in Washington State. He says “it's unclear which one is going to peak first, but we expect all three of them to peak.”

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DON'T FORGET KIDS GET THE VIRUSES AS WELL INCLUDING BABIES

Information from the Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 58,000 to 80,0000 children under age 5 are hospitalized for RSV infection every year, many of them infants.

A SHOT FOR PREGNANT WOMEN ON THE WAY

Chu says a newly approved shot of "infection-fighting molecules, will protect the very young." Chu says a vaccine designed to be given during pregnancy to prevent RSV in infants is awaiting CDC consideration and could be available this fall.
But right now if you are 60-years-old or older you are eligible for two RSV vaccines approved this summer.

CONCERNS? TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR

Chu says if you're concerned have a conversation about vaccines with your doctor. He reminds everyone that higher age and chronic heart or lung conditions increase the risk of severe infections.
The Yakima Health District continues to monitor COVID-19 cases in Yakima and so far there's no alarm because the case counts are very low at this time of year.