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- According to CDC data, respiratory illnesses including influenza, COVID-19, and RSV are on the rise in the United States.
- Norovirus, the infamous stomach virus often linked to cruise ship outbreaks, has also been reported in a significant number of cases recently.
- Older adults and young children are particularly vulnerable to severe respiratory illnesses that may necessitate hospitalization.
Winter Illnesses on the Rise
As flu season progresses, it is beginning to feel more like “sick season” with a mix of respiratory viruses, including influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), surging throughout the U.S.
Add to this a widespread outbreak of norovirus, and it appears that nearly everyone you know may be falling ill.
The
“It’s definitely picking up speed. We’ve seen a notable increase in influenza cases over the past month,” stated William Schaffner, MD, a professor of preventive medicine and infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, in an interview with Healthline.
At the same time, norovirus, often referred to as “winter vomiting disease,” has led to an unusually high number of outbreaks. During the first week of December, health departments reported
Despite this uptick in viral activity, experts suggest that this year’s situation is relatively consistent with historical patterns, barring the unique effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This isn’t drastically worse than previous years,” remarked Dean Winslow, MD, a professor of Medicine and infectious disease expert at Stanford Medicine, as he spoke to Healthline.
The Changing Landscape of Flu Season
Flu season has been a regular occurrence in our yearly calendar, but the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 has altered its dynamics. Since then, COVID-19 has remained active, often flaring up alongside flu, but not always in sync.
“It has become part of our viral landscape, similar to other viruses,” Schaffner noted.
Unlike flu and RSV, COVID-19 has typically shown two peaks each year.
“There’s a smaller surge during the summer and a more pronounced one in the winter. In contrast, influenza, RSV, and many other common cold viruses tend to rise during the winter months,” Schaffner explained.
While emergency department visits for COVID-19 are currently low compared to flu and RSV, there is an upward trend, as reported by the
Judith O’Donnell, MD, section chief of Infectious Diseases at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center and a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, described the current trends in respiratory viruses as “very typical.”
RSV is a significant concern, especially for hospitalizations among approximately
“Our primary concern is RSV in very young children, particularly those under six months old, as they can become extremely ill and may develop bronchiolitis, an infection and inflammation of the small airways,” Winslow elaborated.
Norovirus: A Growing Concern
In addition to respiratory illnesses, a new strain of norovirus, known as GII.17[P17], has been linked to a surge in outbreaks recently.
O’Donnell indicated that this strain appears to be more prevalent this winter compared to previous years.
Testing has shown that
“Unlike respiratory viruses, norovirus is primarily an intestinal virus that affects the stomach and intestines. It spreads extremely easily from person to person and can persist on surfaces for long periods,” Schaffner explained.
This virus is particularly adept at spreading in confined spaces and has frequently been associated with outbreaks on cruise ships. Indeed, the cruise industry has seen a record number of norovirus outbreaks, with the
“Similar high-risk environments include nursing homes, senior centers, schools, and prisons. Any enclosed or semi-enclosed space can become a hotspot for significant outbreaks,” Schaffner noted.
Staying Healthy Amidst Rising Infections
To safeguard your health during this time of rampant viral activity, it’s important to adopt a comprehensive approach.
Vaccination remains the most effective means of preventing COVID-19 and flu infections or lessening their severity if you do fall ill. While there is a vaccine for RSV, it is currently
Your healthcare provider may also prescribe antiviral treatments if you contract COVID-19 or flu. Paxlovid is used for COVID-19, while Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is available for flu patients.
In addition to vaccination, practicing good hygiene is key to preventing the spread of both respiratory viruses and norovirus.
“Frequent hand washing is essential. If you need to go out but are concerned about getting sick, consider wearing a well-fitting mask. Masking is still very effective,” O’Donnell advised. Staying away from crowded places and remaining at home if you’re feeling unwell are crucial for limiting transmission.
While sanitizing gels and sprays can help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses, they are generally not as effective against norovirus.
“Most hand sanitizers are alcohol-based, which are less effective against norovirus. This virus is quite resilient in the environment, so thorough handwashing is your best defense,” warned Winslow.
As respiratory illnesses such as influenza, COVID-19, and RSV continue to increase in the U.S., the current figures remain comparable to those of previous years.
The emergence of the GII.17[P17] strain of norovirus has led to multiple recent outbreaks. This highly contagious virus can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms.
To protect yourself from these illnesses, it’s advisable to get vaccinated against both COVID-19 and influenza. Regular handwashing and steering clear of crowded venues during peak infection periods are also vital to maintaining your health.
