Home / Health / Sick Season Returns: Key Steps to Stay Healthy This Fall/Winter
Sick Season Returns: Key Steps to Stay Healthy This Fall/Winter
17 Sep
Summary
- Past flu seasons were the worst in over two decades, with declining vaccination rates.
- Indoor gatherings increase virus spread; RSV, COVID, and flu cases are expected to rise.
- Vaccination for flu, COVID, and RSV, plus hygiene, are key defenses against illness.
Respiratory virus seasons in recent falls and winters have been particularly severe, with the last two flu seasons marking over 20 years of high illness, hospitalization, and death rates. Flu vaccination rates have notably decreased since the pandemic, falling below public health goals.
As cooler weather arrives, the circulation of viruses such as colds, RSV, and COVID-19 is expected to intensify. Flu season typically runs from September or October through March, often peaking in December or January, with Flu A usually appearing earlier than Flu B.
The southern hemisphere's flu season, which precedes the northern hemisphere's, was observed to be fairly typical this year, offering some encouragement that the upcoming season might not be exceptionally severe. However, experts still strongly advocate for flu vaccination to prevent serious illness.
Indoor gatherings become more common in fall and winter, creating environments conducive to the spread of viruses like COVID-19. Doctors note that reduced ventilation and outdoor activity contribute to increased virus circulation.
RSV, a seasonal virus, is also expected to circulate throughout the fall and winter, typically peaking in January. While current RSV activity is low, the availability of new RSV vaccines for infants, older adults, and at-risk individuals has already shown a decrease in hospitalizations among young infants.
Colds, caused by viruses like rhinovirus and enterovirus, are also most common during these months. Although specific treatments are unavailable for colds, testing for flu and COVID-19 is recommended due to the availability of antiviral treatments for those who test positive.
Comprehensive prevention strategies include staying up-to-date with vaccinations for flu, COVID-19, and RSV, especially for high-risk groups. Other preventative measures, such as avoiding large crowds, maintaining good hygiene, and potentially wearing masks in crowded indoor settings, remain effective against all respiratory viruses.
