Viral Respiratory Illnesses are spiking in the High Country
Western North Carolina is currently experiencing a surge in respiratory illnesses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza (flu), and COVID-19. The Emergency Department at Watauga Medical Center is currently managing a high volume of patients with RSV, flu, COVID-19, and other respiratory viruses. (1) As a result, wait times may be longer, particularly for non-emergent conditions.
What are respiratory viruses?
Respiratory viruses are viruses that affect the respiratory system, or breathing system. RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), COVID-19, and the flu are all contagious respiratory viruses that share similar symptoms, but they can vary in severity. (2) RSV can lead to severe illness in both young children and older adults, and may result in infections like bronchiolitis or pneumonia, or even require hospitalization. (3) COVID-19 and the flu are more widespread and affect individuals of all ages, causing mild to severe symptoms, with the potential for serious complications, particularly for the elderly or those with underlying health conditions. Each year, these respiratory viruses result in a significant number of hospitalizations and deaths during the fall and winter seasons.
Symptoms of respiratory illnesses
It can be difficult to differentiate between RSV, COVID-19, and the flu since they share similar symptoms. Unfortunately, there is no way of knowing without getting a test. Examples of respiratory virus symptoms can include (2):
• Fever
• Chills
• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Cough
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Decrease in appetite
• Sore throat
• Vomiting
• New loss of taste or smell
• Headache, muscle or body aches
• Diarrhea
• Weakness
How to protect yourself and others
RSV, COVID-19, and the flu are all highly contagious and spread through respiratory droplets or by touching contaminated surfaces. (2) To reduce the risk of spreading these viruses:
• Wash your hands frequently
• Avoid touching your face
• Cover up when you cough or sneeze
• Stay home if you are sick
• Clean and disinfect surfaces regularly
• Wear a mask in public spaces, especially in areas of high transmission
What you can do to treat respiratory illnesses
For most people with mild symptoms, rest, hydration, and symptom management are the best ways to treat RSV, flu, and COVID-19. There are no antibiotics for these viruses as they are all viral in nature. Instead, focus on managing symptoms:
• Stay hydrated
• Use over-the-counter fever reducers (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
• Use a humidifier or saline drops to ease congestion
• Get plenty of rest
• Seek care right away for testing and to determine if treatments such as antiviral medications are needed. Our same-day appointments at UNC Health Appalachian are fast and easy, allowing you to schedule at your convenience with just a few clicks on MyUNCChart.
If symptoms worsen or you or your child are having difficulty breathing, it is crucial to contact your healthcare provider or seek medical care immediately.
Who is most at risk?
While RSV, flu, and COVID-19 can affect anyone, certain groups are at higher risk for severe illness (2):
• Infants and young children, especially those under 2 years old
• Older adults, particularly those with underlying health conditions
• People with weakened immune systems
• Those with respiratory conditions, such as asthma or COPD
Protect yourself this season
Don’t let respiratory viruses get you down in 2025 – get this season's flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines. And if you find yourself feeling sick, schedule your same-day appointment online through MyUNCChart, or visit your primary care provider for access to the care you need.
References:
1. Watauga Medical Center. (2024). Emergency department patient volume and wait times due to respiratory viruses [Unpublished data].
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Respiratory viruses. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/about/index.html
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/about/index.html
