Fall is here and winter is coming! CDC expects respiratory disease activity to increase, including flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Respiratory illness can be very serious and threaten everyone's health, particularly those who are at higher risk, such as people with certain underlying health conditions. As we head into another potentially busy fall and winter season, now is the time to get yourself, your staff, and your patients prepared.
What is the expectation for respiratory infections in the 2023-2024 fall and winter virus season?
Flu, COVID-19, and RSV are expected to spread again this year, but exactly when they will peak and how intensely they will affect our personal health and healthcare system is hard to predict. With three major viruses circulating, even moderately severe seasons can lead to substantial total hospitalizations.
What tools do we have to help our patients and our communities fight these viruses?
The good news is that we are in the strongest position yet to help protect Americans from the most severe complications from flu, COVID-19, and RSV. Recommended immunizations are the best way to reduce risk from these viruses, and for the first time ever, we have vaccines available for all three diseases. We also have new and enhanced surveillance systems in place to monitor and provide activity data for each respiratory conditioneffective antiviral treatments for flu and COVID-19, widely available at-home tests for COVID-19, and additional evidence to support other prevention strategies such as improved ventilation, hand and home hygiene, staying home when sick, and choosing to wear a face mask.
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COMMENTARY
Helping Patients Stay Safe From Respiratory Viruses This Fall and Winter
Demetre Daskalakis, MD, MPH
DisclosuresNovember 14, 2023
Editorial Collaboration
Medscape &
Fall is here and winter is coming! CDC expects respiratory disease activity to increase, including flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Respiratory illness can be very serious and threaten everyone's health, particularly those who are at higher risk, such as people with certain underlying health conditions. As we head into another potentially busy fall and winter season, now is the time to get yourself, your staff, and your patients prepared.
What is the expectation for respiratory infections in the 2023-2024 fall and winter virus season?
Flu, COVID-19, and RSV are expected to spread again this year, but exactly when they will peak and how intensely they will affect our personal health and healthcare system is hard to predict. With three major viruses circulating, even moderately severe seasons can lead to substantial total hospitalizations.
What tools do we have to help our patients and our communities fight these viruses?
The good news is that we are in the strongest position yet to help protect Americans from the most severe complications from flu, COVID-19, and RSV. Recommended immunizations are the best way to reduce risk from these viruses, and for the first time ever, we have vaccines available for all three diseases. We also have new and enhanced surveillance systems in place to monitor and provide activity data for each respiratory conditioneffective antiviral treatments for flu and COVID-19, widely available at-home tests for COVID-19, and additional evidence to support other prevention strategies such as improved ventilation, hand and home hygiene, staying home when sick, and choosing to wear a face mask.
Credit:
Lead image: iStock / Getty Images
Public Information from the CDC and Medscape
Cite this: Helping Patients Stay Safe From Respiratory Viruses This Fall and Winter - Medscape - Nov 14, 2023.
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Authors and Disclosures
Authors and Disclosures
Author
Demetre Daskalakis, MD, MPH
Acting Director, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Disclosure: Demetre Daskalakis, MD, MPH, has disclosed no relevant financial relationships.