As the year winds down, we find ourselves entering a familiar but concerning phase marked by an uptick in respiratory illnesses.
Dubbed “sick season,” this time of year sees a surge in various respiratory viruses, including influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
To add to the mix, norovirus, a highly contagious gastrointestinal bug, has also been making its rounds, leaving many feeling unwell.
Current Trends in Respiratory Illnesses
The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) underscores this trend, revealing a notable rise in flu cases since December began.
This increase isn’t limited to just influenza; COVID-19 and RSV are also active, with expectations set for this elevated viral activity to continue throughout winter.
Dr. William Schaffner, a recognized expert in preventive medicine and infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, highlights the rapid escalation in flu cases over the past month.
To complicate matters further, norovirus—often ominously referred to as “winter vomiting disease”—has triggered an unprecedented number of outbreaks.
In the first week of December alone, health departments across various states reported 91 norovirus outbreaks, far surpassing the averages seen in previous years.
Understanding the Current Situation
Despite the pronounced increase in viral activity this season, experts remind us that the current situation isn’t alarmingly different from what we’ve seen in the past—taking the COVID-19 pandemic out of the equation. Dr. Dean Winslow, an infectious disease specialist at Stanford Medicine, notes that this year’s flu season isn’t significantly worse compared to those prior to the pandemic’s onset.
Traditionally, flu season has followed a predictable pattern.
However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted these well-known trends.
With the presence of COVID-19 now ongoing alongside other viruses, we’ve witnessed a shift in timelines for outbreaks.
Interestingly, visits to emergency departments for COVID-19 remain relatively low when compared to those related to influenza and RSV.
RSV continues to be a leading cause of hospitalizations for respiratory issues, particularly among young children and the elderly.
Additionally, a new norovirus strain identified as GII.17[P17] has contributed to recent outbreaks.
Prevention and Protection Strategies
To protect against these viruses, public health officials emphasize the importance of getting vaccinated and maintaining good hygiene practices.
Regular handwashing and wearing masks in crowded areas are simple yet effective measures to reduce the risk of illness.
Additionally, eating a balanced diet and staying physically active can help strengthen your body’s natural defenses.
Getting enough sleep and managing stress are also important ways to boost your immunity this winter.
By taking these precautions, you can lower your chances of getting sick and help protect those around you.
In conclusion, while we are seeing an increase in respiratory illnesses like influenza, COVID-19, and RSV, these fluctuations appear to be in line with historical trends.
The emergence of a new strain of norovirus highlights the ongoing necessity for vaccinations and preventive health strategies to help minimize the chances of falling ill.
Source: Healthline