As respiratory season intensifies in SB and Southern California, let’s discuss key features of the top 2 viruses that we’re currently seeing:
Influenza:
- Influenza A (primarily the emerging H3N2 subclade K variant) is the dominant strain in Southern California, with expected spikes due to holiday travel and gatherings.
- Vaccination typically reduces the risk of flu illness by 40-60% when well-matched and substantially lowers hospitalizations and severe outcomes. Even in less ideal matches, key benefits include shortened symptom peak and reduced duration/severity.
- Influenza remains a serious virus despite the sometimes nonchalant public perception—28 flu-related deaths were documented in Santa Barbara County during the previous respiratory virus season.
- Suspect flu if you develop sudden fever, cough, and/or muscle aches. If in doubt, come in for a simple swab for definitive diagnosis. Early detection (within 48 hours of symptom onset) allows benefit from Tamiflu treatment.
- Fun fact: If a close contact tests positive for influenza, prophylactic once-daily dosing of Tamiflu (started early) can reduce household infection risk by approximately 80-90%.
Remember that cold season involves 20+ viruses with overlapping symptoms. Another key virus circulating this season is RSV.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV):
- RSV is a common cause of viral pneumonia which can lead to more severe respiratory illness—targeting young children, older adults, and those with underlying health conditions.
- New vaccines are available for RSV, recommended for all adults 75 and older, as well as adults 50–74 at increased risk (e.g., chronic heart/lung disease, weakened immune system). We’re happy to weigh the pros and cons if you have questions!
- Real-world data shows RSV vaccines are approximately 70–80% effective at preventing hospitalization. A second booster dose is not currently recommended by the CDC.
- Suspect RSV if you develop shortness of breath, wheezing, or wet cough. Monitoring vital signs—especially respiratory rate, temperature, and oxygen—can help guide diagnostics.
- Fun fact: RSV pneumonia often shows patchy infiltrates on chest X-ray, but early cases may appear normal. We offer a highly sensitive in-office respiratory swab to accurately identify RSV.
