As a new Memorial Regional Health family doctor, Jillian Hess, M.D., is eager to meet everyone in our community and help them live full, healthy lives. And in the fall, that means taking steps to prevent seasonal respiratory viruses. 

“No one wants to spend the winter coughing and feeling terrible,” she said. “Fortunately, we know some effective ways that you can help yourself and your family stay healthy, even when influenza, COVID, RSV and other viruses start to circulate.” 

Keep up with exercise and good nutrition.

“Taking good care of your body helps your immune system do its best work,” Dr. Hess said. 

Wash your hands. 

Most respiratory viruses spread when sick people cough, sneeze or exhale. Tiny droplets containing the viruses land on surfaces, like doorknobs and countertops, that you might touch. But if you wash your hands thoroughly and often, you’re much less likely to spread the viruses to yourself and others. Hand sanitizers don’t work quite as well but are still helpful when you’re on-the-go. 

Clean surfaces, too. 

Respiratory viruses can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours. So if someone in your household is sick, use a general household cleaner to wipe down surfaces that everyone touches often. Use disinfecting wipes on phones, keyboards, remote controls, computer mouses and other electronics.

Use common-sense precautions around those at risk. 

Young children, the elderly, and people with chronic conditions and other risk factors are more likely to get seriously ill from seasonal respiratory viruses. They might have to be hospitalized, and sometimes people even die from complications of common viruses. To help these folks stay safe, keep your distance if you’re sick, wear a mask and help make sure their surroundings are disinfected regularly. 

Get your vaccines.

“We’re lucky to have safe, effective vaccines to help keep us and our loved ones healthy,” Dr. Hess said. “The science and data are solid.”

Dr. Hess recommends that everyone 6 months and up receive both the flu vaccine and the latest COVID vaccine annually. “The vaccines don’t contain live, active forms of viruses, so they can’t give you the flu or COVID,” she said. “You might not feel well for a day or so after receiving the vaccines, but that’s because your immune system is responding. It’s actually a sign that the vaccine is working.” 

In addition, talk to your provider about vaccines for RSV and pneumonia. They are also recommended for certain populations.

“Respiratory virus vaccines help keep us all healthier every winter,” Dr. Hess said. “The sooner you’re vaccinated this fall, the more protected you’ll be throughout the virus season, which lasts through the spring and sometimes later. And the fewer people in our community who get the flu or COVID, the better. If you stay healthy, you’re less likely to pass on the viruses to others, and you’re also going to have a better winter.”