Why the flu and RSV are bigger threats than Ebola in the United States

November 4, 2014

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Dr. Paul Checchia, medical director of the pediatric cardiovascular intensive care unit, has extensive experience with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in various clinical, research and academic settings. In response to the recent Ebola outbreak in West Africa and the handful of cases that have been treated here in the United States, Checchia wrote the following story in an effort to refocus people’s attention to RSV and influenza – two viruses he says are much bigger threats in the United States than Ebola.

11414pchecchia150During the past couple of months we all have seen our fair share of news coverage on Ebola. From turning on your television to walking into a pediatrician’s office and being asked questions about recent travel, the topic is everywhere. It’s not uncommon that with the surplus of information out there, it can begin to cause some anxiety.

While the likelihood of an Ebola outbreak is extremely low, it is still important to stay informed. And at Texas Children’s Hospital we want the community to know that we are fully prepared if an Ebola case were to appear in Houston.

But one thing I can’t help but ask myself is: With so many people worried about the spread of Ebola, why aren’t they also taking every precaution necessary to protect themselves against other diseases? For instance, why are individuals not having the same reaction to the flu as they are with Ebola?

The flu is a preventable disease that affects hundreds of thousands of individuals every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an average of more than 200,000 people in the United States are hospitalized each year from the flu, with up to 49,000 dying from it. Yet many people are still refusing to get vaccinated. In fact, less than half of the U.S. population receives the flu vaccine each year. The CDC also reports that only 45 percent of children ages 6 months to 17 years got the influenza vaccination during the past 12 months. Only 26 percent of adults 18-49 years of age received theirs.

And what about respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)? While there isn’t a vaccine for RSV, there are many ways in which parents and Texas Children’s employees can actively protect infants and children from contracting this respiratory virus, including, washing your hands and making sure anyone in contact with your infant does the same. It’s also important to keep infants and children away from others who are sick, especially with cold or flu-like symptoms (which is why a flu shot is important for all family members and health care workers). While RSV is not as deadly as the flu, it can spread very rapidly among children. So what’s most important to remember about RSV is that is can be prevented.

As many communities are taking precautions to protect themselves and their families from Ebola, let’s not forget about these other diseases that are affecting so many of us every year. The flu and RSV have regularly impacted our community in more devastating ways than Ebola has. It is important that we not ignore these much greater health threats in the U.S.

So please get vaccinated: Everyone 6 months or older is recommended for flu vaccination. It’s the best way to protect yourself and others.

Employee Health is administering free seasonal influenza vaccinations to all Texas Children’s employees, Baylor College of Medicine employees working in Texas Children’s facilities, Texas Children’s medical staff and volunteers. Leaders from Texas Children’s Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Health Centers and The Center for Women and Children will inform their staff about seasonal flu vaccination details.

Click here to view vaccination schedules for both Main and West Campuses. Employee Health strongly encourages you to get your vaccine at one of the times listed on the schedule. If you are unable to do so, please schedule an appointment to get the flu vaccine at the Employee Health Clinic.

Remember, getting an annual flu shot is part of Texas Children’s P3 incentive plan, which is an important component of the total rewards you receive at Texas Children’s Hospital. As part of P3, we are striving for at least 90 percent of our staff to get vaccinated by Monday, December 1.