Respiratory viruses such as COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are common in Central Oregon, especially in the fall and winter. All three can make people very sick.
The good news is there are actions you can take to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, flu and RSV, including washing your hands, wearing a mask, physically distancing and getting vaccinated against these viruses. Vaccines are the safest way to build immunity from a virus.
COVID-19
COVID-19 can be very contagious and spreads quickly. Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some people become severely ill.
Symptoms
COVID-19 symptoms appear 2-14 days after exposure to the COVID-19 virus and may include fever or chills, cough, fatigue, body aches and headache.
Vaccination recommendation
The CDC recommends all people aged 6 months and older stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccine.
Where to get vaccinated
St. Charles Family Care and Urgent Care clinics will begin administering the COVID-19 vaccine on Oct. 1.
Influenza
Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs.
Symptoms
Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly, and may include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache and fatigue.
Vaccination recommendation
The CDC recommends all people aged 6 months and older stay up to date on their flu vaccine.
Brands
Fluarix and Fluzone. Both of our flu vaccines are preservative-free and egg allergy safe.
Where to get vaccinated
St. Charles Family Care and Urgent Care clinics will begin administering the influenza vaccine on Oct. 1.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus
RSV usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious, especially for babies and older adults.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually show up within 4 to 6 days after infection and may include runny nose, loss of appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever and wheezing. These usually come on in stages and not all at once.
Vaccination recommendation
If you are 60 years old or older, or are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your health care provider to see if RSV vaccination is right for you. Our St. Charles clinics do not currently offer the RSV vaccine.
