We are in the midst of the annual respiratory virus season which includes seasonal influenza as well as RSV and several lesser known viruses. 2025 is proving to be an especially bad “flu” year both in S.D. and nationwide. The number of reported influenza cases in S.D. is three times that which has been reported at this time in recent years and the number is rising rapidly. The same is true for RSV.
Covid 19, which causes many of the same symptoms, is not included in this group because it is not a “seasonal” infection. Covid infections occur year-round and recent numbers in South Dakota are showing a decrease.
What to do? First and foremost, if you have not done so already, get a flu shot. It is not too late. The shots offer significant, but not complete, protection against getting the flu. They significantly reduce the risk of serious complications and hospitalization – and they do not cause flu. If you do get sick, anti-viral meds like Tamiflu offer some limited benefit. Old-fashioned, common sense actions like staying home when you are sick, avoiding crowds if you know there is flu in the area and getting medical attention if your symptoms are getting worse are the best approach. Flu is usually self-limited but it can cause very serious disease.
Pertussis, better known as “whooping cough,” is not in the “seasonal” category but is an increasing threat. Pertussis had largely disappeared as a threat but it has come roaring back as levels of immunization have dropped. The vaccine against pertussis has been available for years, is very safe and is nearly 100% effective at preventing the disease. However, as immunization has declined the disease has returned with a vengeance. S. D. Dept. of Health reports show a nearly ten-fold increase in cases in 2024. At least one death has recently been attributed to pertussis. This is so unfortunate as it is a totally preventable disease.
Another disease in this same category is measles. As with pertussis, the danger of measles had largely disappeared due to a highly effective vaccine. Use of that vaccine has declined and measles has returned. So far, no outbreaks in S.D. There are, however, outbreaks around the country. Measles is highly contagious and with lower immunization levels it is only a matter of time until we see it here. As with flu, measles is usually self-limited but can cause hospitalization and even death is children.
What about “bird flu,” technically known as avian influenza? It is spread by infected wild birds and has caused widespread outbreaks in the chicken population. The outbreaks have led to the destruction of literally millions of laying hens and, as a result, a dramatic rise in the cost of eggs.
The threat to humans from “bird flu” is, so far, minimal. Some individuals working around infected animals have been infected but their symptoms have not been severe. Public health experts remain concerned, however, as there have been mutations in the virus and there is fear that it could become more dangerous to humans. At this point there is no vaccine for bird flu.
Many of these diseases, because of the effectiveness, and safety, of immunization, had essentially disappeared over the years. As a result, I fear that many in the public no longer appreciate how dangerous they can be. They carry real risks and should be prevented if at all possible.