The Fall Respiratory Rundown: What You Need to Know

As the fall season sets in, respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are on the rise. In this timely episode of This is Public Health, brought to you by the Illinois Department of Public Health, we are joined by infectious disease experts:
- Graham Briggs, IDPH Epidemiologist
- Dr. Arti Barnes, IDPH Chief Medical Officer
for an in-depth discussion on how to stay healthy this fall and winter.
Our experts dive into the differences between COVID-19, flu, and RSV symptoms, how these viruses spread, and who is most at risk. They also explain the critical role vaccines play in preventing severe illness and hospitalizations, including the importance of updated COVID-19 boosters and flu shots. Whether you’re wondering about the effectiveness of these vaccines, how to protect vulnerable family members, or what new variants or strains may be circulating this season, this episode covers it all.
Graham and Dr. Barnes also share simple but powerful prevention strategies to reduce your risk, such as proper handwashing, wearing masks in high-risk settings, and staying home when feeling ill. Don’t miss this informative episode packed with actionable tips to help you navigate the cold and flu season safely!
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