As the holiday season commences, here's guidance on safeguarding yourself and your family from respiratory viruses

With Thanksgiving imminent, individuals nationwide are finalizing travel arrangements or rushing through grocery stores in search of the perfect turkey. Yet, alongside these plans, it's essential to consider how to maintain good health and avoid exposure to the various seasonal viruses in circulation.

Flu cases are on the rise in many parts of the country, particularly in the South and the West, according to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, both Covid-19 and the respiratory syncytial virus are spreading as many Americans embark on journeys by road or air. Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, emphasizes that travelers will encounter common surfaces that may be contaminated and share air with potentially infected individuals.

"A significant number of people will be traveling at record levels for Thanksgiving and the holiday period," he stated. "This means that the risk will be mixed in from all around the country." While navigating through crowds of strangers might seem daunting for those mindful of their health, experts suggest several familiar precautions to avoid falling ill during travel or gatherings with out-of-town visitors.

'Don't let your guard down':

While some Americans have continued to wear masks well into 2023, many have abandoned the practice as local guidelines for Covid-19 eased. However, Chin-Hong emphasizes that wearing a mask on public transport and at the airport remains one of the most effective measures to prevent disease spread. "I know we think about masking as something that people do when they don't want to get sick, but if you have mild symptoms, wearing a mask is actually going to prevent other people from getting what you have, even if it's a common cold," he explained.

Masking is crucial in areas with limited ventilation, such as crowded jet bridges, and should also be employed during flights for added protection against individuals who may be coughing or sneezing. When it comes to Thanksgiving gatherings or meeting friends, it's advisable to avoid crowded spaces, suggests Chin-Hong. "The hole-in-the-wall bar is going to be a little bit riskier," he noted. "But if you sit by the window, that's going to be less risky."

Handwashing is another essential habit during the holidays, according to Chin-Hong. If soap and water aren't available, a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can effectively eliminate many germs. Additionally, it's wise to refrain from touching your eyes, nose, and mouth to prevent germ transmission.

Chin-Hong acknowledges that the only foolproof way to avoid picking up a virus during holiday travel is not to travel at all, but for most Americans, that's not a feasible option. Approximately 55 million people are expected to travel between the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after the holiday, according to AAA forecasts. While over 3 million people are anticipated to pass through airports nationwide on the Sunday after Thanksgiving alone, not everyone will be flying, with more than 49 million Americans driving to their destinations.

Chin-Hong warns against letting one's guard down, even in familiar settings. "People let their guard down because they know somebody, but of course, the virus doesn't care if you're related to the person," he cautioned. "I got Covid last Thanksgiving, and it was from a relative. They were visiting, and I let my guard down. I didn't think of them as a stranger on the street."

Many Americans have become nonchalant about the circulation of viruses, with about three-quarters of adults expressing little or no concern about getting Covid-19 over the holidays, according to a survey from KFF. Similarly, two-thirds say they are not worried about spreading the virus to people close to them. For those concerned about virus transmission, Chin-Hong recommends regular testing for Covid-19, flu, or RSV, especially when visiting vulnerable relatives.

Vaccines are available:

For the first time, vaccines are available to protect against Covid-19, influenza, and RSV, and health experts emphasize the importance of getting vaccinated. The CDC recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older receive Covid-19 and flu shots, both of which are readily available at retail pharmacy chains. Ideally, very young children should have received their flu shot last month, and parents should ensure their child is vaccinated, even if they haven't received their own flu shot.

RSV is a particularly dangerous virus for young children and infants. Nirsevimab, marketed as Beyfortus, is a long-acting monoclonal antibody injection to protect infants against severe RSV-related illness. While doses are limited, the CDC announced that over 77,000 additional doses would be distributed immediately to doctor's offices and hospitals.

Two vaccines for RSV are available for individuals aged 60 and older, and the CDC encourages prompt vaccination. Staying up to date on vaccinations can alleviate the burden on hospitals, many of which were overwhelmed with RSV, flu, and Covid-19 last year.

Chin-Hong also recommends having cold and flu medications on hand, especially for children, as these medications experienced shortages due to high demand last winter.

'It's good to be humble':

Seasonal flu activity is once again increasing in most parts of the country after taking a backseat during the Covid-19 pandemic. According to the CDC, flu-like activity was high in Puerto Rico and several Southern US states for the week ending November 11, with Louisiana reporting very high flu activity. During this week, 3.5% of health care visits were due to respiratory illness that included fever plus a cough or sore throat.

Western states like Alaska, New Mexico, California, and Texas are experiencing more flu cases, according to CDC data. More than a third of US adults and nearly a third of children have received their flu shot this year, the CDC said. In comparison, about 14% of adults and 5% of children have received the new Covid-19 vaccine, and approximately 14% of older adults aged 60 and up have received the new RSV vaccine.

Although outpatient visits for flu-like illness are lower than they were at this time last year, they are higher than in the previous four seasons. Covid-19 hospital admissions, emergency department visits, and test positivity are all trending down, according to CDC data. The percentage of Covid-related emergency department visits for the week ending November 11 was 1.4%, with just over 16,200 people—similar to rates seen throughout this and last month.

Chin-Hong notes that about a year ago, there was a "significant" spike in flu activity, resulting in a decrease in immunity. In the past year, successive waves of Covid-19 have occurred, and even though Covid-19 is currently trending down, it remains a serious virus that can cause illness and death. Chin-Hong anticipates another spike in the new year and emphasizes the importance of being humble about viruses, their behavior, and their peaks.

Conclusion:

As we embark on the holiday season, it's crucial to prioritize our health and take proactive measures to protect ourselves and our loved ones from the various respiratory viruses in circulation. The uptick in flu cases, coupled with the ongoing threat of Covid-19 and respiratory syncytial virus, underscores the importance of remaining vigilant during gatherings and travel.

Adhering to familiar precautions, such as wearing masks in crowded spaces, practicing good hand hygiene, and maintaining social distancing, can significantly reduce the risk of infection. Vaccination against Covid-19, influenza, and RSV is now more accessible than ever, offering a powerful defense against severe illness.

As we navigate through this festive season, it's essential to strike a balance between celebration and safeguarding our well-being, recognizing that collective efforts contribute to a healthier community.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Is it necessary to wear masks if I have mild symptoms, such as a common cold?

Yes, wearing a mask, even with mild symptoms, can prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses to others, including common colds. It's a considerate measure to protect those around you.

Are masks still essential in well-ventilated areas, like airplanes?

Yes, masks are advisable even in well-ventilated areas. They provide an additional layer of protection, especially on flights, where close proximity to others may increase the risk of exposure to respiratory viruses.

What should I consider when attending Thanksgiving gatherings or meeting friends during the holidays?

It's recommended to avoid crowded spaces. Choosing less crowded venues and maintaining social distancing can help minimize the risk of virus transmission.

How effective is handwashing in preventing the spread of germs during the holidays?

Handwashing is highly effective. Use soap and water whenever possible. If unavailable, a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can kill many germs.

Is traveling during the holidays completely safe?

While no travel is entirely risk-free, following precautions such as wearing masks, practicing good hand hygiene, and getting tested can help mitigate the risk of virus transmission.

Can I let my guard down when traveling by car instead of flying?

No, even in a car, it's important to remain cautious. Enclosed spaces pose a risk, and close contact with others, even if familiar, can lead to virus transmission.

How can testing help prevent the spread of viruses during holiday visits?

Testing, whether for Covid-19, flu, or RSV, is a valuable tool to detect infections early. It's particularly important when visiting vulnerable individuals to initiate timely therapy and reduce the severity of the illness.

Are vaccines available for Covid-19, influenza, and RSV?

Yes, vaccines are available for all three. The CDC recommends vaccinations for everyone aged 6 months and older against Covid-19 and influenza. Specific vaccines for RSV are also encouraged, particularly for those aged 60 and older.

Can getting vaccinated help alleviate the strain on hospitals?

Yes, staying up to date on vaccinations can contribute to reducing the burden on hospitals, which faced overwhelming challenges with respiratory illnesses last year.

What medications should I have on hand for the cold and flu season?

It's advisable to keep cold and flu medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, especially for children, as shortages were experienced last winter due to high demand.

How has the flu activity changed compared to previous years?

Flu activity is increasing, particularly in certain regions, after taking a backseat during the Covid-19 pandemic. It's important to remain vigilant and not underestimate the risk of respiratory illnesses.

Should we expect another spike in Covid-19 cases in the new year?

While trends are currently decreasing, it's crucial to remain cautious. Experts anticipate the possibility of another spike in Covid-19 cases, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and adherence to preventive measures.