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- According to CDC data, respiratory illnesses such as influenza, COVID-19, and RSV are on the rise across the United States.
- Norovirus, the infamous stomach virus linked to outbreaks on cruise ships, has also seen a significant uptick in cases recently.
- Older adults and young children are the most vulnerable populations, often requiring hospitalization due to severe respiratory illnesses.
Understanding the Surge in Illnesses
With flu season upon us, it might be more appropriate to refer to this time as “sick season” as various respiratory viruses, including influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), are surging across the nation.
Alongside these respiratory viruses, norovirus is also making headlines due to its highly contagious nature, contributing to the perception that sickness is rampant among our friends and family.
The
“It’s definitely picking up speed. Influenza cases have been on the rise for the past month and are now surging,” stated William Schaffner, MD, a preventive medicine and infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, during an interview with Healthline.
In addition, norovirus, often referred to as “winter vomiting disease,” has triggered an unusual number of outbreaks. In the first week of December alone, state health departments reported
Despite the simultaneous outbreak of these viruses, experts suggest that this year’s overall situation is comparable to previous years, excluding the anomalies posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s not drastically worse than what we typically see,” remarked Dean Winslow, MD, an infectious diseases specialist at Stanford Medicine, when speaking with Healthline.
The Evolution of Flu Season
Flu season has long been a staple of the annual calendar, but the landscape changed dramatically with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Since then, COVID-19 has remained a background concern, often flaring up alongside influenza, yet not necessarily following the same seasonal pattern.
“It has become a part of our viral landscape, similar to other viruses,” explained Schaffner.
Unlike flu and RSV, COVID-19 has historically exhibited two peaks each year: a smaller one in summer and a larger one during winter. “Flu, RSV, and many common cold viruses primarily ramp up during winter months,” Schaffner noted.
While emergency department visits for COVID-19 remain low compared to flu and RSV this year, they are on the rise,
Judith O’Donnell, MD, chief of Infectious Diseases at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, described the trends of respiratory viruses as “very typical.”
RSV is currently a leading cause of hospitalization among respiratory illnesses, affecting an estimated
“Our primary concern is with RSV in very young children, particularly those under six months, as they can become critically ill and may develop bronchiolitis, which involves infection and inflammation of small airways,” Winslow explained.
In addition to respiratory illnesses, a new strain of norovirus, known as GII.17[P17], has been associated with a rise in outbreaks in recent weeks.
According to O’Donnell, norovirus seems to be more prevalent this winter compared to past years, with
“Unlike respiratory viruses, norovirus is an intestinal virus that affects your stomach and intestines, and it spreads extremely easily from person to person while being resilient on surfaces,” Schaffner explained.
This virus thrives in confined environments and has often been implicated in cruise ship outbreaks. Notably, the cruise industry faced a particularly challenging year regarding norovirus outbreaks, with
Staying Healthy Amidst the Outbreaks
To safeguard yourself from the various circulating viruses, it’s essential to adopt a multi-faceted strategy.
For both COVID-19 and influenza, vaccination is the most effective measure to prevent infection or mitigate symptoms should you fall ill. While a vaccine for RSV exists, it is currently
If you contract COVID-19 or influenza, your healthcare provider may prescribe antiviral medications—Paxlovid for COVID-19 and Tamiflu (oseltamivir) for influenza.
Implementing good hygiene practices is also vital in reducing your risk of infection from both respiratory viruses and norovirus.
“Make sure to wash your hands regularly. If you find yourself in crowded places and are concerned about getting sick, consider wearing a well-fitting mask, as it remains an effective preventive measure,” advised O’Donnell. Additionally, avoiding large gatherings and staying home when feeling unwell is crucial in curbing the spread of illness.
While sanitizing gels, sprays, and foams can help limit the transmission of respiratory viruses, they are significantly less effective against norovirus.
“Most hand sanitizers are alcohol-based, which is not effective against norovirus. The best defense is thorough handwashing,” Winslow recommended.
As cases of respiratory ailments such as influenza, COVID-19, and RSV continue to climb in the U.S., the figures are not drastically different from those of prior years.
A recent surge in the GII.17[P17] strain of norovirus has led to numerous outbreaks. This highly contagious virus can result in severe diarrhea and vomiting.
To enhance your chances of staying healthy, vaccination against both COVID-19 and influenza is highly recommended. Regular handwashing and avoiding crowded areas during peak seasons are also essential strategies for maintaining your health.
