Linn County Public Health director gives guidance ahead of respiratory virus, flu season

CEDAR RAPIDS — As the weather cools and events return indoors, fall and winter brings with them a season of respiratory viruses.

Now more than three years into the pandemic, public health officials and medical professionals have more than just COVID-19 on their mind. Last year, hospitals were inundated with a “tripledemic” of COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV — with many cases of RSV occurring in children.

This year, new vaccines for COVID-19 and RSV bring hopes for reducing the number of hospitalizations and deaths. But at the end of August, only 1 in 5 Iowans were up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Dr. Pramod Dwivedi, director of Linn County Public Health, weighs in on the current state for respiratory viruses and how you can stay healthy this season.

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Q: Tell us about the current state of COVID-19 in Linn County. Have we seen any waves of cases this year, or are we seeing an increase as we enter fall?

A: “Since early 2023, COVID-19 is no longer a reportable illness in the state of Iowa. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers a map that explains the hospitalization rate of COVID-19 in Linn County.

“At this time, Linn County remains in the ‘low’ category and has been there for the past few months. Linn County Public Health reviews wastewater surveillance data for COVID-19. While these data points do not exactly tell us how many people in our community have COVID-19, it does provide us with an overview of how prevalent the virus is.“

Q: Tell us about the latest variants of COVID-19 and how they may differ from what we knew in previous years. For example, does it present differently in terms of symptoms, or has it been more elusive to detect in patients?

A: “COVID-19 is a virus that continues to change over time with different variants becoming more prevalent in our society. Omicron continues to be the variant that is currently circulating throughout the United States.

“When it comes to vaccination, it’s good to know that protection from the COVID-19 vaccine declines over time, according to the CDC. This is why it is pivotal that individuals who are eligible to receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine do so. The updated COVID-19 vaccine formulation is a better match for preventing serious illness and hospitalization from the COVID-19 variants currently circulating throughout our community, state and nation.”

Q: What are the biggest steps or habits people should make to protect themselves from respiratory viruses?

A: “At Linn County Public Health, we routinely share the 3 C’s — cover your coughs and sneezes, contain your germs by staying home when sick and cleaning your hands. By doing these things, as well as getting vaccinated, you have your best chance at staying safe and healthy throughout respiratory illness season.”

Q: Tell us about the latest COVID-19 booster. When did it become available to the public here, who should be getting it and when can they get it?

A: “Linn County Public Health and some local health care facilities and pharmacies have been receiving the updated COVID-19 vaccine over the past few weeks. In alignment with the CDC, Linn County Public Health recommends all individuals over 6 months of age receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine, especially as we prepare for respiratory illness season.

“Those who have not had a dose of any COVID-19 vaccine over the past two months are eligible to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine. Individuals who want to receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine should call their health care provider’s office, pharmacy or Linn County Public Health to schedule a vaccination appointment. Individuals can also look up additional vaccination locations online at vaccines.gov.

Q: How about flu shots and the newer RSV vaccine — who should be getting those?

A: “All individuals should receive their annual flu shot. This is a vaccine that has been around for several years and has a new formulation each year that best matches the viruses predicted to circulate within our community.

“It is recommended that individuals interested in receiving the RSV vaccine talk to their health care provider for specific vaccine recommendations and to determine what is best for them. The RSV vaccine is available to a select population that includes those under 19 months of age or over 65 years of age.”

Q: We seem to be on a cycle now where most people of average risk can get annual boosters each fall. What are the guidelines for how often we should be getting boosters going forward?

A: “We encourage all individuals to talk with their health care provider about the right vaccine recommendations for them.

“Fall is a time where people see vaccines for respiratory illnesses become available. This is the time when all individuals, who are eligible, should get these vaccines to prevent severe illness and even hospitalization during the winter months.”

Q: For those who recently had COVID-19, how long should they wait before getting the new booster?

A: “In this situation, it is best for an individual to talk with their health care provider to determine what is right for them.”

Getting a COVID-19 vaccine after recovering from infection provides added protection against the virus. The CDC advises that patients may consider delaying their vaccine by up to three months, but may consider getting it sooner when considering factors such as personal risk of severe disease or risk of disease in a loved one or close contact.

Q: The federal public health emergency declaration for the pandemic ended earlier this year. What does that mean for COVID-19 vaccines?

A: “Most insurances will cover the updated COVID-19 vaccine. Linn County Public Health and Eastern Iowa Health Center are proud Bridge Access Program participants, which provides the updated COVID-19 vaccine at no cost for those who are uninsured or underinsured.“

Q: Last year, health care providers saw challenges with the “tripledemic” of COVID-19, flu and RSV. As we get closer to the holiday season and winter months, what is the forecast for potential cases, and what are health care providers doing to prepare?

A: “It is common to see an uptick in respiratory illness cases in late fall and early winter. The past few years have made respiratory illness season challenging, especially throughout the pandemic.

“Our clinic at Linn County Public Health has already started vaccinating residents with the new, updated COVID-19 vaccine and will continue to do so. Additionally, we have become a Bridge Access Program provider, which allows our clinic to provide the updated COVID-19 vaccine to individuals who are underinsured or uninsured.

“While we do not know for sure how respiratory illness season will play out, it’s important to not forget the 3 C’s and get up to date on vaccines, such as the annual flu shot and the updated COVID-19 vaccine.”

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