CLEVELAND — As the twinkling lights and festive decorations signal the approach of the holiday season, the Ohio Department of Health is sounding a critical health alarm.
This year's respiratory virus season is shaping up to be particularly challenging, with early increases in COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), pertussis, and pneumonia threatening to turn family gatherings into potential health hazard zones.
Health officials are witnessing a concerning trend of rising respiratory illness cases. For the last six months in Ohio and across the nation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has seen a rise in mycoplasma pneumonia cases, especially among children.
Better known as "walking pneumonia," symptoms can be mild to severe. There is no vaccine, but there is a diagnosis, and antibiotics can usually be prescribed to alleviate symptoms.
The Ohio Department of Health has already reported 1,400 cases of walking pneumonia, but what's not known is whether those cases could be a harbinger of the potential viral onslaught that typically intensifies during the winter months.
The timing couldn't be more critical, as families prepare to gather, travel, and celebrate together — creating the perfect environment for virus transmission. Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, Ohio Department of Health director, warns that the upcoming holiday season presents a unique challenge.
"As families mix and mingle, especially with more vulnerable relatives like elderly grandparents or young children, we see the highest potential for virus spread," he explained in a Wednesday press briefing.
Vanderhoff says it's time to bring back commonsense precautions: Start washing your hands; avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; and if you're sick, stay home.
The medical community is unanimously clear: Vaccination is the most effective strategy to protect yourself and your loved ones. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of recommended immunizations:
COVID-19 and flu shots
- Recommended for everyone 6 months and older
- Provides crucial protection against severe illness
- Helps reduce overall community transmission
RSV vaccination
- Targeted for specific groups:
- Pregnant women
- Adults over 60
- One-time shot with long-lasting protection
- Particularly important for preventing severe respiratory complications
Pneumonia vaccine
- Available for individuals 50 and older
- Helps prevent serious lung infections that can be particularly dangerous for older adults
Infant protection
- Monoclonal antibody treatments available to prevent severe RSV disease in infants
- Provides critical protection for the most vulnerable population
The comeback of whooping cough
One particularly alarming development is the resurgence of whooping cough (pertussis) to pre-pandemic levels. This highly contagious respiratory disease poses significant risks, especially to newborns and infants.
Vaccine are available and are part of normal childhood vaccinations. However, Vanderhoff says vaccination rates in Ohio have been slow to rebound to pre-pandemic rates.
Common shots include:
- DTaP: For children under 7 years old
- Tdap: For older children and adults
The CDC recommends that:
- Children receive a series of five DTaP shots before age 7
- Teens and adults receive a booster Tdap vaccine every 10 years, starting around age 11 to 12
- Pregnant women get one Tdap vaccine between 27 and 36 weeks of gestation
You can get the pertussis vaccine at a health care provider's office, a pharmacy, or a federally funded health center.
Health experts emphasize the importance of timing. Vaccines typically require two weeks to build sufficient antibodies, meaning now is the ideal time to get immunized before holiday gatherings, especially if you plan to be around vulnerable family members.
Medical professionals acknowledge the growing sense of vaccine fatigue among the public. After years of COVID-19 discussions and multiple vaccination campaigns, many individuals feel overwhelmed. However, experts stress the continued importance of immunization and the importance of discussing concerns with healthcare providers.
Here are some tips you can follow:
- Consult health care providers about personalized vaccination recommendations.
- Check the vaccination status for all family members.
- Consider the health vulnerabilities of family members you'll be visiting.
- Practice good hygiene, including frequent hand washing.
- Stay home if you're feeling unwell.
For the most up-to-date information, here are some useful links:
- Ohio Department of Health
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Are healthcare providers and pharmacies
As we approach the most wonderful time of the year, taking proactive health measures can ensure it remains truly wonderful. Stay informed, stay protected, and enjoy the holiday season with peace of mind.