In cooler weather, more people gather indoors where infections can quickly spread. Respiratory viruses such as flu, COVID-19 and RSV are easily transmitted, and can cause serious illness. Updated vaccinations can protect you and those around you.
Who Needs Protection?
Every Mississippian should have a seasonal flu shot and updated vaccinations against COVID-19. Babies and older adults need to be vaccinated against RSV.
* Flu, RSV and COVID-19 hospitalize thousands of Mississippi children and adults every year, and lead to hundreds of deaths.
Those especially at risk include:
- Pregnant women: Respiratory virus infection can lead to pregnancy complications and affect your developing child.
- Older adults: As you age, your immune system can become less effective at protecting you from viral infections. And if you're in poor health or have a chronic illness, respiratory infections increase your risk of hospitalization and death.
- Young children: The immune systems of children younger than 5 are still developing, and viral infections can cause serious illness and even death.
Vaccinations Are Your Best Defense
Vaccinations lower your risk of severe illness and can keep you out of the hospital. But to be effective, you need the latest available vaccines for flu and COVID-19. Only one vaccination against RSV is needed (RSV vaccination during pregnancy even protects your child after it is born).
*Vaccinations for all types of respiratory viral infections are widely available from medical clinics, pediatricians and pharmacies.
County health departments provide flu vaccinations for all children and for adults who do not have insurance that covers the cost of vaccinations.
Other Preventive Steps
Take all the precautions you can during virus season to stay healthy and to keep those around you healthy.
- Stay home if you're sick: If you have fever, stay home or away from others as much as possible to limit the spread of illness.
- Practice protective hygiene: Cover your coughs and sneezes, wash your hands frequently, and wear a mask when you are in crowded places.
- Limit your time in crowds: Respiratory viruses spread more easily in groups of people. Keep your exposure short, and encourage outdoor gatherings and plenty of fresh air circulation.
- Stay healthy: Keep up healthy habits like eating wisely and getting physical activity daily. If you have an ongoing illness, stay in touch with your doctor and take any prescribed medications consistently.
Take Action
- Find a vaccination near youLocate providers in your area for all types of vaccinations
- More about flu in Mississippi
- More about COVID-19 in Mississippi
- More about RSV CDC
