July 29, 2024 • 9 mins
Joanna Baumann from iHeartRadio Las Vegas and Sunny 106.5 talks with Dr. Angie Sirsy from The Valley Health System Graduate Medical Education Program about respiratory virus risks and prevention
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
It's well on this Wednesday, right here on Sunny when
I was six point five. On with me this week
is doctor Angie Cercy, who is a family medicine resident
with the Valley Health System Graduate Medical Education Program. Thank
you for being on with us today.
Speaker 2 (00:15):
Thank you for letting me be here. Sonny. It's really
a pleasure to be here.
Speaker 1 (00:18):
And you are a Las Vegas native, so born and
raised here.
Speaker 3 (00:21):
I am, Yes, I was completely like, did all my
education here. I loved being here. So my goal is
to give back to the community that raised me, and
my whole dream is to just stay here and help
this community out. Well.
Speaker 1 (00:34):
I love that so much. And we're talking about a
very important topic this week, respiratory viruses. A lot of
people get those summer sicknesses right now, unfortunately.
Speaker 2 (00:43):
But tell us a little.
Speaker 1 (00:44):
Bit, Angie, on what the most common types of respiratory
viruses there are out there and what symptoms do they
typically cause.
Speaker 3 (00:54):
So here's the thing. There are thousands of cold viruses
out there. Everyone hears about things like the coronavirus, obviously
because of what we went through, But the most common
virus that we will encounter something called the rhinovirus, which
does cause the common cold, but there's so many others.
There's influenza, a B, para influenza, There's thousands of other
ones to count. But typically the symptoms will be very
(01:17):
straightforward with like a sneeze, cough, runny nose. Sometimes you
get a change to your sense of taste and smell. Essentially,
that's the symptoms you will get. And it's really not
important to know what virus you have, just kind of
how to treat it.
Speaker 1 (01:29):
Okay, that's good to know. Now, how can respiratory viruses
be transmitted from one person to another? Just so people
know what they need to kind of be aware of.
Speaker 3 (01:38):
So generally, when someone's infected with a virus and they
cough that virus out into the air and you breathe
it in, that's how you get infected. Sometimes you can
get it by touching a surface that's been coughed on
by someone else. Sure, but it really depends on the
type of virus for how long that actually will stay
on a surface.
Speaker 1 (01:55):
Right, So it's the cough to really kind of be
mindful of. Yeah, I know, I was in a target
the other day standing behind a woman who was coughing NonStop.
And sometimes she would cover her mouth and sometimes she wouldn't.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
I was just thinking about those jers. That's the worst.
Speaker 3 (02:10):
So if you guys are sick, please stay home. If
you guys want a work note or a school note,
I love giving those out. There's nothing I love more
than to tell someone to stay home from work or
school just so they don't infect other people.
Speaker 2 (02:21):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (02:22):
And my son will start school in the fall, and
that's one of my biggest things, is like, if your
kid is sick, keep them home, right, keep them It's
so quick to be able to spread these viruses, but
really it's just kind of keeping it contained.
Speaker 3 (02:34):
It sounds like we're exactly, don't get on planes.
Speaker 2 (02:37):
Yes, don't go to work.
Speaker 3 (02:38):
If you're getting into like a really populated area with
people who are very like weakened immune systems and they
can get sick, it's better just to stay at home.
Speaker 1 (02:45):
Absolutely. Now I know all about hand washing. I feel
like we all should know about hand washing, especially coming
out of the covid era, right, but one of those
best practices for hand hygiene to reduce the risk of
contracting respiratory viruses.
Speaker 3 (02:59):
So of course the basics are our basics for a reason.
Hand washing with soap and water is always the way
to go, especially if your hands are visibly dirty. These
are really just there so that when you touch your face,
whether it's like your nose, your mouth, you don't get
that virus into your system. Right, But if you don't
have the like the hand washing soap and water available,
then hand sanitizer is perfectly fine. Okay, but do wash
(03:21):
your hands when you do get the chance.
Speaker 1 (03:22):
All right, Now, let's talk about masks a little bit.
I know a lot of people very much so over them.
But how effective are masks in preventing the spread of
respiratory viruses? And what type of masks are recommended still
even out of like the covid era.
Speaker 3 (03:37):
So there are a lot of different masks available. I'm
sure everyone's been, you know, into this type of like
what mask will protect me the best? Generally speaking, the
ones that are like cloth will give you like the
lowest level of protection, good to know. But the ones
that are like one step up would be like a
surgical mask. Those really do help only if the other
people in the room are wearing that mask. Okay, So
(04:00):
they are protective only to an extent. It's really so
that you don't infect other people. If everyone's wearing that
same mask in the room, it's very effective. But if
you're the only one in a room, not so much.
The next step up would be like things like a
face respirator, like a kN ninety five, and then even
more so would be like our N ninety five.
Speaker 2 (04:16):
Sure, So that really is just.
Speaker 3 (04:18):
Dependent on how protected you want to be. But masks
are always a good idea.
Speaker 2 (04:22):
I like that you said.
Speaker 1 (04:23):
Really, it's only effective if everybody has it on right.
Speaker 3 (04:26):
So I think there are some countries that people wear
masks out of respect, and I'm sure that's a very
good practice because nobody wants to get the other in
person sick.
Speaker 1 (04:34):
Now, if you have to go out and you have
to run your errands, and definitely make sure you're wearing
those masks for sure. Now, what role does vaccination play
in protecting against respiratory viruses? And which vaccines are commonly available?
Speaker 3 (04:49):
So vaccines are a great way to prevent a worse
version of the illness. Of course, we all know there's
the COVID nineteen vaccine that's on the market, the influenza
vaccine neumococcule. There's a lot of different types, but what's
important is if you have a lung disease that's something
that weakens your immune system, like something like asthma, or
you have COPD, that you do get those vaccines because
(05:11):
those are really your best shot about protecting you against
being hospitalized with that illness. Right for all of our
adults over sixty, we do want you guys to get
the RSV vaccine. I'm sure there's commercials that have been
going on that you've been seeing that really want us
to protect our older population against RSV because in younger
kids and older adults, that's where that virus really will
(05:31):
cause a lot of bad symptoms. That's actually one of
the most common viruses that will cause hospitalization RSV.
Speaker 1 (05:38):
Hmm, yeah, and I hear that a lot. I know
you mentioned older population, but I know when I had
my son, I heard RSV like thrown out all the time, right,
Like young, weaker immune systems are just more susceptible to that.
Speaker 2 (05:49):
Huh yeah.
Speaker 3 (05:50):
So the kids really get very sick with RSB and
I'm sure that everyone's been hearing it, especially like in
daycares outbreak in school. What's important is that you know
when to take your kid to the doctor. Right, So
the warning signs. Of course, if your child is not
acting like themselves, like they're lethargic, they're struggling to breathe.
You see them really struggling to like take in those
(06:10):
deep breaths, then bring them to the hospital. There's no
point in waiting or seeing if they get better, because
sometimes these viruses can get very bad.
Speaker 2 (06:17):
Yep.
Speaker 3 (06:18):
So that's why I'm here. I'm here to kind of
talk to everyone and see what is like something that
would necessity to visit to the doctor. Sure, And what
are things that could really you can handle at home?
Speaker 1 (06:27):
Absolutely? So, actually you just mentioned home. I do want
to talk about that real quick because sometimes you know,
lifestyle changes in your home environment, those things can actually
possibly help strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk
of respiratory infections.
Speaker 2 (06:43):
Is that true?
Speaker 1 (06:43):
And what are those things that you can do to
make a lifestyle change or to change your environment at
home to help protect yourself.
Speaker 3 (06:50):
So the number one thing, So these viruses will come
and go. Everyone will be affected by a virus at
some point in their life. The most important thing is rest.
As soon as even when I get sick, the first
thing I do is I get home as soon as
I can, and I sleep as much as I can,
so resting will really boost your immune system and give
your body a chance to fight off that infection. Making
sure that you're hydrated is of course another thing. Avoiding
(07:12):
things like caffeine. So caffeine is not just our straight
tea and coffee, it's also in soft drinks, teas, like
we have to really watch out for that because that
can dehydrate you. And then the other things, like people
do recommend some like herbs and over the counter vitamins.
There really is no scientific, like solid scientific studies that
say that these things are good. But I'm actually a
big proponent, Like I do love to tell people to
(07:33):
take some vitamins, some vitamin C especially and vitamin D.
Those things really can help strengthen your immune system and
maybe give you that extra boost you need to get
better faster. So I do like to use those things
because I don't think they hurt. But of course, like
if you're not sure, just come and ask a doctor,
come ask myself. I love talking about these things, but
generally speaking, you want to, like if you smoke, try
(07:55):
to stop smoking. And then of course do not go
to school or work and avoid it. I want to
give you those doctor's notes. I have no problem doing that.
Speaker 1 (08:03):
I know.
Speaker 2 (08:04):
That's like my biggest pet peeve.
Speaker 1 (08:05):
When I see people who come to work sick, I'm like,
what are you doing here? Just work from home? If
you need to work that bad, work from home because
these respiratory viruses, they can spread and spread quick.
Speaker 3 (08:17):
Yeah, and if one person gets sick, the whole house
gets sick. So I know, if your son is like
you can bring it home something, he might get you sick,
and that's just the worst. So we just want to
keep you guys healthy, and that's I think the best
way to do it.
Speaker 2 (08:29):
So a lot of rust, a lot of water.
Speaker 3 (08:31):
Avoid the caffeine if you can, Like you can take
some vitamins. A lot of little kids with like the
RSV virus, we do recommend humidifiers at night can help
with the breathing, just some moist air into their lungs.
And then of course, like if your child has something
or you yourself has something that can weaken your immune system,
it's better to come and speak with a doctor to
see what we can do to help get you better.
Speaker 1 (08:52):
Absolutely leave it to the professionals to guide you. In
the right direction. Doctor Angie Cercy with the Valley Health System,
thank you so much for being on wellness Wednesday.
Speaker 2 (09:00):
Thank you so much.
Speaker 3 (09:01):
Sunnie
It's well on this Wednesday, right here on Sunny when
I was six point five. On with me this week
is doctor Angie Cercy, who is a family medicine resident
with the Valley Health System Graduate Medical Education Program. Thank
you for being on with us today.
Speaker 2 (00:15):
Thank you for letting me be here. Sonny. It's really
a pleasure to be here.
Speaker 1 (00:18):
And you are a Las Vegas native, so born and
raised here.
Speaker 3 (00:21):
I am, Yes, I was completely like, did all my
education here. I loved being here. So my goal is
to give back to the community that raised me, and
my whole dream is to just stay here and help
this community out. Well.
Speaker 1 (00:34):
I love that so much. And we're talking about a
very important topic this week, respiratory viruses. A lot of
people get those summer sicknesses right now, unfortunately.
Speaker 2 (00:43):
But tell us a little.
Speaker 1 (00:44):
Bit, Angie, on what the most common types of respiratory
viruses there are out there and what symptoms do they
typically cause.
Speaker 3 (00:54):
So here's the thing. There are thousands of cold viruses
out there. Everyone hears about things like the coronavirus, obviously
because of what we went through, But the most common
virus that we will encounter something called the rhinovirus, which
does cause the common cold, but there's so many others.
There's influenza, a B, para influenza, There's thousands of other
ones to count. But typically the symptoms will be very
(01:17):
straightforward with like a sneeze, cough, runny nose. Sometimes you
get a change to your sense of taste and smell. Essentially,
that's the symptoms you will get. And it's really not
important to know what virus you have, just kind of
how to treat it.
Speaker 1 (01:29):
Okay, that's good to know. Now, how can respiratory viruses
be transmitted from one person to another? Just so people
know what they need to kind of be aware of.
Speaker 3 (01:38):
So generally, when someone's infected with a virus and they
cough that virus out into the air and you breathe
it in, that's how you get infected. Sometimes you can
get it by touching a surface that's been coughed on
by someone else. Sure, but it really depends on the
type of virus for how long that actually will stay
on a surface.
Speaker 1 (01:55):
Right, So it's the cough to really kind of be
mindful of. Yeah, I know, I was in a target
the other day standing behind a woman who was coughing NonStop.
And sometimes she would cover her mouth and sometimes she wouldn't.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
I was just thinking about those jers. That's the worst.
Speaker 3 (02:10):
So if you guys are sick, please stay home. If
you guys want a work note or a school note,
I love giving those out. There's nothing I love more
than to tell someone to stay home from work or
school just so they don't infect other people.
Speaker 2 (02:21):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (02:22):
And my son will start school in the fall, and
that's one of my biggest things, is like, if your
kid is sick, keep them home, right, keep them It's
so quick to be able to spread these viruses, but
really it's just kind of keeping it contained.
Speaker 3 (02:34):
It sounds like we're exactly, don't get on planes.
Speaker 2 (02:37):
Yes, don't go to work.
Speaker 3 (02:38):
If you're getting into like a really populated area with
people who are very like weakened immune systems and they
can get sick, it's better just to stay at home.
Speaker 1 (02:45):
Absolutely. Now I know all about hand washing. I feel
like we all should know about hand washing, especially coming
out of the covid era, right, but one of those
best practices for hand hygiene to reduce the risk of
contracting respiratory viruses.
Speaker 3 (02:59):
So of course the basics are our basics for a reason.
Hand washing with soap and water is always the way
to go, especially if your hands are visibly dirty. These
are really just there so that when you touch your face,
whether it's like your nose, your mouth, you don't get
that virus into your system. Right, But if you don't
have the like the hand washing soap and water available,
then hand sanitizer is perfectly fine. Okay, but do wash
(03:21):
your hands when you do get the chance.
Speaker 1 (03:22):
All right, Now, let's talk about masks a little bit.
I know a lot of people very much so over them.
But how effective are masks in preventing the spread of
respiratory viruses? And what type of masks are recommended still
even out of like the covid era.
Speaker 3 (03:37):
So there are a lot of different masks available. I'm
sure everyone's been, you know, into this type of like
what mask will protect me the best? Generally speaking, the
ones that are like cloth will give you like the
lowest level of protection, good to know. But the ones
that are like one step up would be like a
surgical mask. Those really do help only if the other
people in the room are wearing that mask. Okay, So
(04:00):
they are protective only to an extent. It's really so
that you don't infect other people. If everyone's wearing that
same mask in the room, it's very effective. But if
you're the only one in a room, not so much.
The next step up would be like things like a
face respirator, like a kN ninety five, and then even
more so would be like our N ninety five.
Speaker 2 (04:16):
Sure, So that really is just.
Speaker 3 (04:18):
Dependent on how protected you want to be. But masks
are always a good idea.
Speaker 2 (04:22):
I like that you said.
Speaker 1 (04:23):
Really, it's only effective if everybody has it on right.
Speaker 3 (04:26):
So I think there are some countries that people wear
masks out of respect, and I'm sure that's a very
good practice because nobody wants to get the other in
person sick.
Speaker 1 (04:34):
Now, if you have to go out and you have
to run your errands, and definitely make sure you're wearing
those masks for sure. Now, what role does vaccination play
in protecting against respiratory viruses? And which vaccines are commonly available?
Speaker 3 (04:49):
So vaccines are a great way to prevent a worse
version of the illness. Of course, we all know there's
the COVID nineteen vaccine that's on the market, the influenza
vaccine neumococcule. There's a lot of different types, but what's
important is if you have a lung disease that's something
that weakens your immune system, like something like asthma, or
you have COPD, that you do get those vaccines because
(05:11):
those are really your best shot about protecting you against
being hospitalized with that illness. Right for all of our
adults over sixty, we do want you guys to get
the RSV vaccine. I'm sure there's commercials that have been
going on that you've been seeing that really want us
to protect our older population against RSV because in younger
kids and older adults, that's where that virus really will
(05:31):
cause a lot of bad symptoms. That's actually one of
the most common viruses that will cause hospitalization RSV.
Speaker 1 (05:38):
Hmm, yeah, and I hear that a lot. I know
you mentioned older population, but I know when I had
my son, I heard RSV like thrown out all the time, right,
Like young, weaker immune systems are just more susceptible to that.
Speaker 2 (05:49):
Huh yeah.
Speaker 3 (05:50):
So the kids really get very sick with RSB and
I'm sure that everyone's been hearing it, especially like in
daycares outbreak in school. What's important is that you know
when to take your kid to the doctor. Right, So
the warning signs. Of course, if your child is not
acting like themselves, like they're lethargic, they're struggling to breathe.
You see them really struggling to like take in those
(06:10):
deep breaths, then bring them to the hospital. There's no
point in waiting or seeing if they get better, because
sometimes these viruses can get very bad.
Speaker 2 (06:17):
Yep.
Speaker 3 (06:18):
So that's why I'm here. I'm here to kind of
talk to everyone and see what is like something that
would necessity to visit to the doctor. Sure, And what
are things that could really you can handle at home?
Speaker 1 (06:27):
Absolutely? So, actually you just mentioned home. I do want
to talk about that real quick because sometimes you know,
lifestyle changes in your home environment, those things can actually
possibly help strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk
of respiratory infections.
Speaker 2 (06:43):
Is that true?
Speaker 1 (06:43):
And what are those things that you can do to
make a lifestyle change or to change your environment at
home to help protect yourself.
Speaker 3 (06:50):
So the number one thing, So these viruses will come
and go. Everyone will be affected by a virus at
some point in their life. The most important thing is rest.
As soon as even when I get sick, the first
thing I do is I get home as soon as
I can, and I sleep as much as I can,
so resting will really boost your immune system and give
your body a chance to fight off that infection. Making
sure that you're hydrated is of course another thing. Avoiding
(07:12):
things like caffeine. So caffeine is not just our straight
tea and coffee, it's also in soft drinks, teas, like
we have to really watch out for that because that
can dehydrate you. And then the other things, like people
do recommend some like herbs and over the counter vitamins.
There really is no scientific, like solid scientific studies that
say that these things are good. But I'm actually a
big proponent, Like I do love to tell people to
(07:33):
take some vitamins, some vitamin C especially and vitamin D.
Those things really can help strengthen your immune system and
maybe give you that extra boost you need to get
better faster. So I do like to use those things
because I don't think they hurt. But of course, like
if you're not sure, just come and ask a doctor,
come ask myself. I love talking about these things, but
generally speaking, you want to, like if you smoke, try
(07:55):
to stop smoking. And then of course do not go
to school or work and avoid it. I want to
give you those doctor's notes. I have no problem doing that.
Speaker 1 (08:03):
I know.
Speaker 2 (08:04):
That's like my biggest pet peeve.
Speaker 1 (08:05):
When I see people who come to work sick, I'm like,
what are you doing here? Just work from home? If
you need to work that bad, work from home because
these respiratory viruses, they can spread and spread quick.
Speaker 3 (08:17):
Yeah, and if one person gets sick, the whole house
gets sick. So I know, if your son is like
you can bring it home something, he might get you sick,
and that's just the worst. So we just want to
keep you guys healthy, and that's I think the best
way to do it.
Speaker 2 (08:29):
So a lot of rust, a lot of water.
Speaker 3 (08:31):
Avoid the caffeine if you can, Like you can take
some vitamins. A lot of little kids with like the
RSV virus, we do recommend humidifiers at night can help
with the breathing, just some moist air into their lungs.
And then of course, like if your child has something
or you yourself has something that can weaken your immune system,
it's better to come and speak with a doctor to
see what we can do to help get you better.
Speaker 1 (08:52):
Absolutely leave it to the professionals to guide you. In
the right direction. Doctor Angie Cercy with the Valley Health System,
thank you so much for being on wellness Wednesday.
Speaker 2 (09:00):
Thank you so much.
Speaker 3 (09:01):
Sunnie
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