Respiratory Viruses On the Rise

Angie Szumlinski
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January 23, 2025
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It started with a tickle in your throat. Then, congestion, a little cough, and maybe laryngitis. Could it be Pertussis or other respiratory viruses on the rise? You take some ibuprofen, so no fever, but what do you have? Some say there is no such thing as a “common cold” anymore. I say, “of course not!” We never leave things simple; we always have to complicate life with fancy medical terms, new virus names, etc. I read an interesting article discussing all of the different variants and viruses currently on the rise in the US, now rewind!

A few months ago, and as recently as two weeks ago, the flag was sent up with headlines:

Everyone was encouraged to get the Pertussis vaccine booster if they hadn’t had one in 10 years. I, for one, made my appointment and got my updated booster. Whew, protected? Well, you would think so, but on January 3, 2025, MedPage Today’s article listing the different respiratory viruses currently on the rise did not identify Pertussis!

The biggest culprits identified in the article are respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, parainfluenza viruses, metapneumovirus, rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, enteroviruses, and adenoviruses. Adding to the confusion, these viruses are difficult to distinguish one from the other because they have similar symptoms of congestion, cough, runny nose, and fever. We all know the drill; we cough or sneeze and run to the pharmacy for a COVID test kit. When that is negative, we continue with our lives, spreading the “love” to everyone we encounter.

So, what do we do? A very bright “mom” once said, rest and lots of fluids. Bottom line, STAY HOME if you aren’t feeling well. It really doesn’t matter which virus it is, Pertussis or RSV, they are all contagious and can have a negative impact on anyone immunocompromised! Stay well and stay informed!


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