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Triple virus threat for winter highlights importance of vaccination

There have been a lot reports in recent weeks about the looming triple virus threat of RSV, COVID and influenza hitting hard this winter. In this month’s blog, we take a look at each of these viruses, how they differ, and how you vaccination can help protect yourself and your family from them this coming winter.

RSV

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (or RSV) usually presents as a mild respiratory infection. The virus infects the airways and lungs and commonly causes coughs and colds during winter.

Its symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Runny nose
  • Headache
  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • Wheezing

It can also cause ear infections. While RSV mostly presents as a mild infection, it can lead to life-threatening complications such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Children are most at risk, with 3.6 million children worldwide hospitalised with the virus every year.

COVID-19

COVID-19 is the disease caused by the coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. 

Thanks to the impact of vaccines and the health measures undertaken over the last few years, the World Health Organization recently declared that the virus was no longer a public health emergency, but an established and ongoing health issue.

COVID-19 symptoms can vary from mild to severe, with the most common symptoms being:

  • Fever
  • Coughing
  • Sore throat
  • Shortness of breath

Other symptoms can include:

  • Runny nose or congestion
  • Headache or fatigue
  • Muscle or joint pains
  • Nausea or loss of appetite
  • Diarrhoea or vomiting
  • Temporary loss of smell or altered sense of taste

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, WA has recorded 1,326,071 confirmed cases and 1,053 deaths from COVID (as at 12 May 2023 – https://covidlive.com.au/report/daily-deaths/wa). Globally, that figure increases to almost 765,903,278 confirmed cases and close to 7 million deaths (https://covid19.who.int/).

Influenza

Influenza, or the flu, is a highly contagious viral disease that can often be mistaken for a common cold. However, flu tends to last longer and be more debilitating.

Most people experience symptoms, such as:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Runny nose
  • Cough
  • Tiredness
  • General aches and pains

Children, however, can experience more uncommon symptoms, including:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea

Influenza can cause severe illness or death, particularly among high-risk groups, including children under five, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with serious medical conditions.

Vaccination offers best protection

With all three viruses already circulating throughout the community, it is expected there will be increased pressure on our health system and hospitals as winter hits. Contracting a combination of RSV, flu and/or COVID-19 could also have severe consequences, particularly for vulnerable people in our community.

That’s why staying up-to-date with your vaccines is vital, as it helps to reduce the spread of these viruses and protects your family and the wider community, particularly those who are most vulnerable.

What vaccines are currently available?

RSV Vaccines

There is currently no vaccine available for RSV. However, a vaccine may not be too far away, with new research published in the New England Journal of Medicine showing the development of an RSV vaccine that, when given to pregnant women, was 81.8% effective in preventing severe disease within 90 days of birth and 69.4% effective in preventing severe disease within 180 days of birth.

In the meantime, you can help prevent the spread of the virus by:

  • Maintaining good personal hygiene by washing hands often with soap and water, using hand sanitizer, and covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.
  • Staying home, when sick, or wearing a mask when leaving the house and avoiding close contact with others.
  • Regularly cleaning surfaces and items that may be contaminated with disinfectant.
COVID-19 Vaccines

COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for everyone aged 5 years and older and there are currently three vaccines available for use in Australia:

  • Pfizer (Comirnaty)
  • Spikevax (Moderna)
  • Nuvaxovid (Novavax)

Some people may previously have received the Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) COVID vaccine; however, this vaccine is no longer available in Australia (as of 20 March 2023).

All adults who have not had a COVID-19 booster or a confirmed case in the past six months are encouraged to get another booster to give them additional protection against severe illness from COVID, regardless of the number of prior doses received.

This additional booster dose is particularly recommended for those at risk of severe illness, including:

  • anyone aged 65 years and over; and
  • adults who have medical comorbidities, disability or complex health needs. 

ATAGI advice currently states that otherwise healthy children and teenagers do not need a booster at this time, given the low incidence of severe illness and high level of hybrid immunity amongst this cohort.

Influenza Vaccines

Anyone over the age of 6 months is encouraged to get vaccinated annually against influenza.

Those at greatest risk of serious complications from influenza are eligible to receive the vaccine for free, through the Australian Government’s National Immunisation Program (NIP).

This includes:

  • Children aged 6 months to <5 years
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
  • Adults aged 65 years and over
  • Pregnant women
  • Anyone aged 6 months and over who has:
    • heart disease
    • severe asthma (requiring frequent medical consultations or use of multiple medications)
    • chronic lung conditions
    • diseases of the nervous system that affect breathing
    • impaired immunity
    • diabetes
    • kidney disease
    • haemoglobinopathies
    • children aged 6 months to 10 years on long-term aspirin therapy

In Western Australia, the flu vaccine is also free fro ALL primary school aged children from Pre-Primary to Year 6. Vaccination is also strongly recommended for those who:

  • Work in certain jobs and industries (including aged care and health care).
  • Travel to certain countries.
  • Are planning a pregnancy.

In Western Australia, the influenza vaccine is currently free for all Western Australians throughout May at participating GPs, pharmacies and Aboriginal Medical Services.

Are vaccines safe?

Yes. Vaccines given in Australia are perfectly safe and you cannot get the virus from having the relevant vaccine.

Like any vaccine, it is possible that some people may experience a reaction; however, the risk of the vaccines causing serious harm is very low.

In Australia, all vaccines must pass strict safety testing before being approved for use by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

We also have a national program – AusVaxSafety – that monitors the type and rate of reactions to each year’s new influenza vaccine in young children.

At Illawarra Medical Centre, we utilise the SmartVax system as an additional vaccine safety measure for our patients. SmartVax uses SMS and smartphone technology to actively monitor vaccine safety in real time and feeds into the AusVaxSafety program.

Can I get my flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time?

Yes. You can have your flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time.

When booking in for your flu vaccination, however, it’s important to tell your vaccination provider if you are also wanting to receive your COVID-19 vaccine at the same time, so that they can best plan your appointment.

If you have any questions or concerns about getting your COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations at the same time, speak to your GP prior to booking in any vaccinations.

Vaccinations at IMC

Illawarra Medical Centre currently has stocks of both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines available. We are also running Influenza Vaccination Clinics every Friday, for those looking to get their annual flu vaccine.

Bookings are essential. Visit the website or contact us on (08) 9208 6400 for further details.

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