Fall is in full swing in eastern North Carolina, and with it comes more than just crisp air and colorful leaves. We’re already seeing an uptick in respiratory viruses across our communities and the state. It is not too late to protect yourself and your loved ones from the serious health risks posed by respiratory viruses like influenza, COVID-19 and RSV.
For many, these viruses are a temporary inconvenience. But for others, especially young children, older adults, pregnant people and those with chronic health conditions like asthma or diabetes, they can lead to severe illness, hospitalization or worse. As an infectious disease physician at ECU Health, I have seen firsthand how quickly these viruses can progress to life threatening illness in vulnerable individuals. That is why it’s so important to act early and take advantage of the tools we have to stay safe.
Vaccines remain our most powerful defense against severe illness. The 2025-26 COVID-19 and flu vaccines are now available, and I strongly encourage everyone to stay up to date. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older, while the RSV vaccine is now available for infants, pregnant people and older adults. These vaccines not only protect you but also help shield those in our community who are too young or medically unable to be vaccinated, like newborns or individuals undergoing chemotherapy.
Thanks to a recent Standing Order from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), a prescription is not required to get vaccinated. Adults 65 and older, as well as those aged 18 to 64 with high-risk health conditions, including obesity, asthma, diabetes, pregnancy and more, can receive the COVID-19 vaccine at pharmacies without a prescription.
If you test positive for COVID-19, flu or RSV, do not wait. Contact your health care provider right away. Early treatment can reduce the severity of symptoms and lower the risk of complications. Medications for COVID-19 and influenza have proven effective in preventing hospitalizations when started promptly.
Vaccines and treatments are critical, but they are just part of the equation. Simple preventive measures like frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals and wearing masks in crowded or high-risk settings remain powerful tools in slowing the spread of illness.
I understand that some people have questions or concerns about vaccines. I encourage you to talk with your primary care provider to determine which vaccines are right for you and your family. I get vaccinated every year, not just for myself, but to help protect those around me who can’t.
By staying informed, getting vaccinated, seeking early treatment when needed and practicing good hygiene, we can navigate this respiratory virus season safely. It’s about doing our part to protect the health of our entire community.
Let’s take these steps together so we can all stay healthy and enjoy the seasons ahead.
Dr. Jacob Pierce is the medical director of infection prevention at ECU Health and a clinical assistant professor at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University.
Dr. Jacob Pierce
Fall is upon us, and along with the cooler weather and changing leaves, we are expecting to see an increase in respiratory viruses. While it might be too late for ECU football’s conference championship dreams, it’s not too late to increase your chances of staying healthy this respiratory viral season. Respiratory viruses may be an inconvenience for many of us, but they can be devastating for those with certain conditions. Fortunately, vaccines and treatments are available for the major respiratory viruses expected to be circulating this Fall and Winter.
Testing positive for influenza, COVID-19, RSV and other respiratory viruses can be unsettling, but it’s important to remember that we’re equipped with the knowledge and tools to handle it effectively. If you test positive, reach out to your health care provider immediately. For those who are a bit more vulnerable—like older adults, people with underlying health conditions or a weakened immune system—getting early treatment really makes a difference. It can help keep symptoms from getting worse and get you back on your feet faster.
Medications available today for some respiratory viruses like COVID-19 can significantly reduce the severity of symptoms and lower the risk of hospitalization. As an infectious disease physician at ECU Health, I have seen firsthand how devastating these respiratory viruses can be for at-risk individuals. This underscores the importance of acting quickly and taking advantage of these treatments when eligible.
Treatment is just one part of the equation; preventative measures remain as vital as ever. The 2024–25 COVID-19 and influenza vaccines are available this Fall, and staying up to date with vaccinations is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and those around you. We also now have FDA-approved RSV vaccines for all adults ages 75 years and older. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends the vaccine for adults ages 60-74 years who are at increased risk of severe RSV.
It is important to recognize that some of the most vulnerable in our community – such as newborns or individuals on chemotherapy don’t have a strong enough immune system for vaccines to work. They rely on the healthy among us to get vaccinated and keep them safe. I know that some of you reading this may have concerns about vaccinations. I encourage you to discuss which vaccines might be right for you with your health care provider. I get my vaccines every year, not to protect myself, but to protect anyone in our community who cannot get them for whatever reason.
Additionally, basic hygiene practices, like frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals and wearing masks in crowded or high-risk areas, continue to be simple yet powerful tools in preventing the spread of respiratory viruses.
By staying informed, acting quickly when needed and embracing preventive measures, we can navigate this season safely and protect the health of our community. It’s not just about avoiding illness; it’s about doing our part to ensure the well-being of those around us. Together, we can make a difference in managing this year’s respiratory viral season and look forward to baseball season.
Dr. Jacob Pierce is the medical director of infection prevention at ECU Health and a clinical assistant professor at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University.