The upcoming fall and winter seasons are set to see a significant increase in respiratory viruses, including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), combined peak hospitalizations for these viruses this season are anticipated to mirror the levels experienced in the previous year. The flu season typically lasts from October through mid-May, and consistent hospitalization rates have been observed over the past three years.
These viruses predominantly affect high-risk groups, with the elderly and young children being particularly vulnerable. Individuals over the age of 65, as well as children under two years old for RSV and COVID-19, face increased risks. Other at-risk populations include those with pre-existing conditions such as heart or lung diseases, weakened immune systems, and pregnant women due to their compromised health.
While the flu, RSV, and COVID-19 can lead to severe illness, they are also highly contagious. For instance, a person infected with the flu can spread it to one to two additional people, thus perpetuating the cycle of infection. Each virus is also subject to mutation, leading to variants that may evade existing immunity. According to UnityPoint Health, the more a virus circulates, the higher the likelihood of mutation. When sufficient mutations accumulate, a variant emerges, and if it exhibits new biological characteristics, it is classified as a new strain.
Understanding the Viruses and Their Impact
Influenza is expected to dominate the respiratory virus landscape this season. The CDC has classified the 2024-2025 flu season as high-severity across all age groups, marking the first instance of consecutive high-severity seasons since tracking began two decades ago. This year, the flu is forecasted to peak nationally between December and February, and it was the primary contributor to hospitalizations last year.
Symptoms of the flu can range from fever, chills, and cough to muscle aches and fatigue, making it more intense than the common cold. Testing for the flu typically requires a sample taken from the nose, with results available within a few minutes to two days. For most individuals, flu symptoms can be managed at home with over-the-counter medications, but those with underlying health issues should monitor symptoms closely.
On the other hand, the CDC predicts that the peak hospitalization rate for RSV in the 2025-2026 season will be similar to that of the previous season. RSV often peaks in late December or early January, but the timing varies regionally. Almost all children contract RSV by the age of two, and while it usually presents as mild cold-like symptoms in adults, it can lead to severe complications in infants and older adults.
Symptoms for RSV include runny or stuffy noses, cough, and fever. Severe cases may require hospital treatment, including oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation. RSV is highly contagious, with the potential to spread from person to person and survive on surfaces for several hours.
The Ongoing Challenge of COVID-19
Despite the passage of time since its emergence, COVID-19 remains a significant health concern. Initially identified in December 2019, the virus has continued to cause illness, with recent CDC modeling suggesting that the peak weekly hospitalization rates for COVID-19 during the upcoming season will be similar to last year’s figures. A new variant could lead to a surge in hospitalizations, particularly among older adults, who currently have the highest rate of COVID-19 deaths.
COVID-19 symptoms can vary widely, from mild to severe, and include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Testing is essential for diagnosis, and antiviral medications are available to reduce the severity of illness if administered early. Long COVID remains a challenge, with symptoms such as fatigue and cognitive difficulties persisting long after the initial infection.
As we approach the peak of the respiratory virus season, the CDC emphasizes the importance of vaccinations in reducing hospitalizations and the spread of these viruses. Vaccines for influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 have proven effective, with the flu vaccine alone preventing an estimated 240,000 hospitalizations during the last season.
Healthcare professionals recommend staying up to date with vaccinations, particularly for those at higher risk. In addition to vaccination, public health guidelines stress the importance of practicing good hygiene, including frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals.
As the respiratory virus season approaches, it is vital for individuals to be proactive in protecting themselves and others. By adhering to preventive measures and seeking vaccinations, communities can work together to mitigate the impact of these viruses.
