Severe Season Ahead
Respiratory viruses are typically most active in the fall and winter. The viruses that can cause more serious illness, including hospitalizations and deaths, are influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and SARS-CoV-2 (which causes COVID-19). These type of viruses spread quickly, generally. When infected, most people will have a mild illness. But some people become seriously ill and can die.
Last year’s respiratory virus season was one of the worst California had seen in years — and state health officials warn this year’s respiratory virus season could be especially severe. Troubling signs include an early seasonal flu comeback and influenza outbreaks already hitting epidemic levels in Asia, as well as lower uptake of the flu and respiratory virus vaccines here stateside.
Even healthy people can become very sick from a respiratory virus. Respiratory viruses like flu, RSV, and SAR-CoV-2 (causes COVID-19) usually cause mild illnesses. But they can cause severe complications in some people.
Who Should Get Vaccinated
Respiratory viruses like influenza can cause serious illness in older adults and people with health conditions that make it harder for their bodies to fight viruses.
Today, the California Department of Public Health and the WCHA urge everyone, but especially pregnant women, elderly, and children, to go out and get vaccinated for the flu. Certain people may also be recommended to receive RSV and/or COVID-19 vaccines as well. Download the 2025-2026 respiratory virus vaccine recommendations. You can get flu vaccines at the same time as COVID-19, RSV, or other vaccines. It is safe, effective and convenient to get these vaccines at the same time. These vaccinations can take up to two to four weeks for the body to develop the their full protection effectiveness, so the sooner you receive a vaccine, the sooner you’ll be protected.
Will the Vaccines Prevent me from Getting Sick?
Annual vaccines aren’t foolproof. Researchers cannot provide a vaccine that covers every possible viral strain but instead targets the most common strains for this upcoming season. The best way to guard yourself and your loved ones against influenza or COVID-19 is to get a vaccine every season.
The Benefits of getting this year’s Seasonal Vaccines
- Getting a flu shot can keep you from getting the flu. Each year flu vaccination prevents severe illness, doctor visits, hospitalizations, and deaths.
- If you do get sick, being vaccinated can make your illness milder.
- Keeping yourself from catching a respiratory virus also helps protect the people around you. If you don’t get the flu, you don’t spread the flu. This is especially important to those who are more vulnerable like older adults, people with chronic illnesses, and young children.
- Getting a vaccine can reduce your sick days and save you money. A severe case of the flu or COVID-19 can keep you out of work for weeks. Whether you end up in the hospital or recuperating at home, influenza, COVID-19 and RSV can cost you time and pay.
- According to CDPH, vaccination for flu also reduces the risk of bird flu co-infection and lost time at work for farm workers.
- Flu vaccines during pregnancy help protect people who are pregnant and their babies from early delivery, low birth weight, and stillbirth.
- Studies show that it also helps protect the baby from influenza for several months after birth.
- If you have a chronic health condition like heart disease, diabetes, or COPD, getting seasonal vaccinations are a critical part of your preventive medical strategy. People with chronic conditions are at an increased risk of serious complications from influenza, RSV, and COVID-19.
How to get Vaccinated
If you are a patient, ask our medical staff how to get vaccinated today! The majority of health insurance plans will cover the cost of a respiratory virus vaccines as preventative measures, but contact your insurance to be sure. Any public health insurance, such as Medicare, is required by the AHA to provide their beneficiaries with flu shot coverage. If not insured, there are many options still available for you throughout the community. From pharmacy to urgent care, and even here at River Bend Medical Associates you can get your flu vaccine.
For those non-insured or with plans that do not offer preventative coverage, look to these resources to steer clear from the flu:
Employer: Many employers offer flu shot coverage to their employees. Ask your supervisor or coworkers today.
Sacramento County: Offers free flu vaccines for community members aged 6 months and up on set days until November 13th. Check out the next free flu clinic date here.
Respiratory Illness Prevention
Respiratory viruses spread easily. Getting vaccinated makes it less likely that you will catch or spread influenza.
In addition to getting seasonal vaccines, it’s a good idea to take the following steps to reduce your chances of getting sick and prevent the spread of germs to others if you do get sick.
- Avoid contact with those who are sick.
- Cover your cough and sneezes.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water.
- Wear a mask in crowded spaces.
- Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces and objects.
- Stay home and rest if you are sick.
