Respiratory Viruses Surge as Holiday Season Approaches

It’s a gift no one wants to give or receive: respiratory viruses are already spreading as Americans prepare for holiday travel and family gatherings.

Dr. David Hill, chair of the national board of the American Lung Association, says hospitals are beginning to see a rise in cases. “I’m actually consulting in my hospital this week, and we’re seeing a lot of influenza A here in Connecticut,” he said.

Health experts expect a winter surge in flu, COVID-19 and RSV cases. Officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say this season is likely to resemble last year, when the agency estimated that at least one million people were hospitalized and more than 70,000 died from respiratory virus illnesses.

Adults ages 65 and older remain at the highest risk for severe disease. “The flu and COVID tend to lead to higher hospitalization rates and higher deaths in that population, so getting vaccinated is really important for that group of people,” Hill said.

According to the CDC, only about one-third of patients hospitalized with flu last season had been vaccinated. This year, with a new flu variant circulating, lagging vaccination rates, and a spike in holiday travel on the horizon, public health officials worry that the coming weeks could look worse.

Hill urges people to take preventive steps. “Talk to your provider. Try to get vaccinated. It’s the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones,” he said.