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Reduce Your Risk from Respiratory Viruses This Holiday Season
Flu, COVID-19, and RSV illnesses are at low levels right now overall in the United States, but we expect them to increase in the coming weeks, as they usually do in fall and winter. We have seen an uptick at St. Marys Manor.
Individuals, families, healthcare providers, and health departments can all take actions to help prevent serious respiratory illnesses.
The most important action is getting the immunizations recommended for you.
If you do get sick, these immunizations can make your illness less severe and can help you avoid hospitalization.
What CDC knows
Signs of increased RSV activity have started in the southern and eastern United States, particularly in young children.
Seasonal flu activity is increasing slightly among children but remains low nationally.
CDC expects hospitalizations for flu and COVID-19 to start increasing in the coming weeks.
Many people have not received their recommended flu, COVID-19, and RSV immunizations.
There's still time to benefit from getting your recommended immunizations to reduce your risk of illness this season, especially severe illness and hospitalization.
For people who do get sick with flu or COVID-19, antiviral medications for each of these illnesses are recommended for people who are at higher risk of severe illness.
What CDC is doing
CDC tracks flu, COVID-19, and RSV activity—for example, emergency department visits and hospitalizations—and shares the data weekly with the public.
CDC's respiratory virus guidance provides practical ways people can lower their risk from respiratory virus illnesses.
CDC provides information about testing and treatment for flu and COVID-19.
CDC works to increase access to vaccines, including administration of the Vaccines for Children program.
Now is the time to take action
While respiratory virus activity is currently at low levels nationally with variability by state, CDC anticipates that will change. Peaks of respiratory disease activity usually happen from about December to February. Several different respiratory viruses spread more during fall and winter, including those that cause flu, COVID-19, and RSV illness.
The holidays are coming, and large gatherings, travel, and more time indoors can mean more viruses spreading. Fortunately, we have tools to help us stay healthy so we can enjoy the time we spend with our families, friends, and neighbors.
Healthcare providers, health departments, and individuals all have a role to play. It is important for healthcare providers to get vaccinated to protect themselves and encourage patients to do the same.
Health departments should monitor local respiratory virus activity and provide information to the public. This includes information about where people can get vaccinated and how to reduce their risk of becoming severely ill. CDC has developed resources for healthcare providers and specific groups of people to help us all prepare for the fall and winter season.
Things everyone can do
Immunizations
Immunizations are the best tools we have for preventing serious illness from flu, COVID-19, and RSV. Staying up to date on recommended immunizations is especially important for those at higher risk of severe illness from respiratory viruses.
Make sure you know which immunizations are recommended for you and make a plan to get them. You can talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about immunizations.
Testing and treatment
U.S. households are currently eligible to order 4 free COVID-19 tests.
Talk to your healthcare provider about testing and treatment options if you get symptoms of a respiratory illness and are at higher risk of developing severe illness.
Antiviral treatments for COVID-19 and flu can lessen symptoms and shorten the time you are sick.
COVID-19 and flu treatment should be started as soon as possible after symptoms begin.
Everyday prevention steps
You also can protect yourself and others with everyday prevention action such as:
Staying home and away from others when you are sick (including people you live with), covering coughs and sneezes
Improving ventilation and washing hands often.
Learn more about these strategies and others in CDC's respiratory virus guidance.
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