As flu season begins, Kaiser Permanente’s Everett Medical Center is preparing for a fall virus season involving the flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
With these three viruses circulating simultaneously, healthcare providers are warning of a potentially severe respiratory illness season, urging residents to get vaccinated and take proactive health measures.
Dr. Adam Jonas, an internal medicine physician at the Everett Medical Center, emphasized the gravity of the situation: “Every year the flu causes a lot of illness and, in severe cases, death. Now, with COVID-19 here to stay, it’s adding another layer to what we’re dealing with every year.”
Dr. Jonas notes the flu, which typically peaks between December and March, is expected to cause significant illness. “Last year, we had around 400 people hospitalized for flu in our area, and nationwide, about 25,000 deaths. It’s not minor – people miss work, kids miss school, and the health and social costs are immense,” he explains.
What makes this year more concerning is the resurgence of COVID-19 alongside the flu, as well as RSV, a virus particularly dangerous for infants and those with compromised immune systems.
“RSV can be severe, especially in the very young and people with chronic health conditions. It can lead to additional lung problems and complications, like bronchitis and pneumonia,” Dr. Jonas says.
Vaccines offer protection, but timing matters
Kaiser Permanente’s Everett Medical Center is advocating for vaccinations as the first line of defense. Flu vaccines tailored to this year’s strains, along with updated COVID-19 vaccines, are now widely available – and provide a “safe and effective way to reduce both the amount and severity of illness,” Dr. Jonas emphasizes.
“There’s always discussion about when to get vaccinated,” Dr. Jonas says. “yGetting the show around mid-October ensures immunity will last through the peak of flu season. If you haven’t had your flu vaccine yet, now is the time to get it.”
Protecting yourself and others
“We learned a lot during COVID-19, but sometimes it’s about the basics” Dr. Jonas says. “Quarantining when you’re sick and washing your hands – those are still the number one ways to prevent transmission.”
Masking, while no longer mandated, remains a highly effective tool. “People might consider masking in high-risk environments,” Jonas adds. “It was clearly effective during the height of COVID-19, and it still works.”
For those questioning whether to get both flu and COVID-19 vaccines simultaneously, Dr. Jonas offered reassurance: “Yes, we do recommend getting them at the same time. It’s safe, and it’s convenient.”
Who is most at risk?
The most vulnerable groups remain the same: infants, the elderly and people with chronic health conditions. “Every year, these viruses cause severe outcomes for these populations,” Dr. Jonas adds. “But the truth is, everyone is affected. Even for those who don’t end up in the hospital, the number of missed workdays and school days is immense. It takes away quality days from people’s lives.”
As Everett braces for another flu season complicated by COVID-19 and RSV, Kaiser Permanente continues to focus on prevention, urging everyone to stay vigilant. By prioritizing vaccinations and health precautions, residents can mitigate the impact of this year’s triple viral threat.
For more information, visit kaiserpermanente.org. Find a flu shot near you! Follow Kaiser Permanente on Facebook or Instagram for more.
