Public Health Notes: Respiratory Infection Season Is Here

Walk into a classroom or office space at this time of the year, and there's a good chance you'll hear a few coughs and sniffles. This time of the year is known for respiratory infections, and 2025 appears to be no different. While the flu, COVID-19 and RSV burden on our community grows, it's important to know that there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your community from respiratory infections.

Vaccination remains the most effective way to avoid and limit illness. Flu vaccines are available across the community, including at all three Metro Public Health Department Preventive Health clinics, free of charge. COVID-19 vaccines are available to those who qualify at providers and pharmacies in many parts of Nashville. Check with your healthcare provider to determine if you are eligible for the updated COVID-19 vaccine. The RSV vaccine is recommended for all those 75 and older, in addition to those older than 50 who are at an increased risk of developing severe RSV. Those 32 to 36 weeks pregnant are also recommended to receive the RSV vaccine. Like all decisions about vaccination, talking with your healthcare provider is the best course of action to determine what is right for your own personal health.

At the population level, increased vaccination helps us all, even those who are not able to get vaccinated. More people receiving a vaccine means fewer places a virus can most easily infect. This can lead to fewer people contracting the illness and passing it on to others, reducing overall numbers of those suffering from the illness. Even when a person who has been vaccinated gets the flu, several studies show that having received the flu vaccine reduces the severity of illness. This is why it is so important for the Metro Public Health Department to ensure all Nashvillians have access to flu vaccines.

Beyond getting an annual flu shot, there are some simple steps we can all take to limit the spread of respiratory infections like the flu. Staying home when sick is a very effective way of minimizing the spread of your infection. Frequent handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes can also limit the spread of respiratory infections. Avoiding contact with your eyes, nose and mouth is another good strategy, as those are the most common ways germs infect the body. Despite our best efforts, sometimes we still come down with a respiratory infection. If that is the case for you, reach out to your healthcare provider right away to determine if antiviral medications might be right for you. These medications work best when taken early in an infection, so reach out to your provider sooner rather than later.