Doctors Warn What To Expect From Sick Season This Year

Key Points:

• The upcoming fall and winter seasons are expected to bring a rise in respiratory viruses such as flu, COVID-19, RSV, and common colds, with flu season typically peaking between December and January.
• Flu vaccination rates have declined since the pandemic and remain below the 70% target, despite experts emphasizing vaccination as the most effective protection against severe illness from flu, COVID-19, and RSV.
• Indoor gatherings and reduced ventilation during colder months facilitate the spread of respiratory viruses, increasing the likelihood of infections including COVID-19, which tends to peak in winter but circulates year-round.
• RSV activity is currently low but expected to increase through winter, with vaccines available and recommended for high-risk groups such as infants, pregnant people, and older adults.
• Preventive measures including vaccination, avoiding crowded indoor spaces, practicing good hand hygiene, wearing masks if desired, and testing for flu and COVID-19 when symptomatic are advised to reduce the risk of infection.