Logan County Department of Public Health urges protection from RSV

[January 30, 2024] 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the United States, annually, there are an estimated 60,000–160,000 hospitalizations and 6,000–10,000 deaths due to Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) among adults ages 65 years and older. RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. While most people recover in a week or two, RSV can be serious in infants and older adults.

In older adults, RSV causes substantial morbidity and mortality, including lower respiratory tract disease, hospitalization, and death. Risk factors for severe RSV include heart and lung disease, kidney disorders, liver disorders, and diabetes. In addition, people  moderately or severely immunocompromised, who are frail, elderly, and persons living in nursing homes are also at high risk for severe RSV.

Thankfully, there is now a single-dose vaccine available to help protect from RSV which is recommended for people ages 60 and older. You should talk with your health care provider about whether RSV vaccination is right for you. There is no maximum age for getting the RSV vaccine.

The Logan County Department of Public Health (LCDPH) has you covered this RSV and flu season by offering the vaccine you need. No appointment is necessary and LCDPH bills private insurance directly. In addition, Medicare Part D prescription drug plan will pay for the RSV vaccine. If you have questions regarding the vaccine, you can call LCDPH at 217-735-2317. It's important to stay healthy this respiratory season and LCDPH is here to protect you!

Information Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

[Don Cavi, MS, LEHP
Public Health Administrator
Logan County Department of Public Health]