SULLIVAN COUNTY – Winter can bring plenty of opportunities for cozy gatherings with loved ones and these moments can be bright spots during cold months. However, spending more time indoors means more chances for respiratory viruses to spread.

Flu, COVID-19 and RSV viruses can make people sick enough that they need to go to the doctor or hospital.

“Getting sick from these viruses can happen more often in the winter months,” said Dr. Manisha Patel, chief medical officer of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. “This season’s flu and COVID-19 vaccines, as well as the RSV vaccine, are the best way to avoid serious illness so people can spend time with friends and family.”

HOW CAN YOU PROTECT LOVED ONES?

Millions of people have already gotten vaccinated this fall or winter. In fact, more people are getting vaccinated for COVID-19 and flu this year compared to this time last year, according to the CDC. Vaccines are the best protection against serious illness. To help keep your loved ones healthy this winter, offer to take them to get vaccinated. Make sure they know it’s safe to get more than one vaccine at the same appointment.

The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get flu and COVID-19 vaccines. In addition, everyone 75 and older – and those 60 and older with certain health conditions or who live in nursing homes – should get one dose of an RSV vaccine if they haven’t before. Pregnant people who are 32 through 36 weeks pregnant during the winter months should get an RSV vaccine to help protect their baby during the first 6 months.

ARE YOUR LOVED ONES AT HIGH RISK?

According to the CDC, some people face higher risks of getting very sick from respiratory viruses, including:

People not up to date on their vaccines: Vaccines cut your risk of needing hospital care for flu or COVID-19 by about half. In 2023, 90% of adults admitted to the hospital for COVID-19 were not up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines. People who skipped their flu shot were twice as likely to need to visit a doctor for flu.

Older people: Most flu, COVID-19 and RSV hospitalizations and deaths are in people ages 65 and older. If you help care for an older friend or loved one, let them know their risk for getting very sick from these viruses – and that vaccines can help protect them from needing to go to the hospital.

Those who live in long-term care facilities: Respiratory viruses can spread among people in long-term care who may be older or have health conditions that raise their risk of severe flu, COVID-19 and RSV.

Pregnant people: Getting flu and COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy provides protection against severe illness for you and your baby during their first 6 months. An RSV vaccine during pregnancy also protects your baby from severe RSV in their first 6 months.

URGE LOVED ONES TO GET VACCINATED

Flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines are the best way for you – and your friends and family – to risk less and do more of what you enjoy this winter.

Visit cdc.gov/RiskLessDoMore or talk to your doctor to learn more about flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines. Visit vaccines.gov to find a nearby pharmacy.

Sidebar: Additional High-Risk Groups

In the U.S., some additional groups of people are at higher risk of respiratory viruses, according to the CDC.

People in rural parts of the country: People who live in rural areas face a higher risk of getting very sick from flu, COVID-19 and RSV. In these regions, less than half of adults got a flu vaccine last year. Fewer than 1 in 5 got an updated COVID-19 vaccine. Serious illness can be even more dangerous in rural areas with less available medical care.

Black and Hispanic people: At the peak of last year’s respiratory virus season, Black people were more likely than white or Hispanic people to be hospitalized for flu, COVID-19 or RSV. By season’s end, Hispanic people were more likely than non-Hispanic white people to have been hospitalized for flu.

Expert pregnancy tips for staying healthy this winter

Staying up-to-date on recommended vaccines is important during pregnancy. This is especially true during the winter months when more people tend to get sick from flu, COVID-19 and RSV. These viruses can be especially dangerous for pregnant people and babies.

Vaccines are an important part of routine pregnancy care, both for you and your baby. Getting vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 can cut your risk of hospitalization by about half.

Now is the time to get vaccinated if you haven’t already. Flu vaccines help protect you from getting the flu and getting seriously ill, so it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment now. The latest COVID-19 vaccines are important too because they lower your risk of serious illness. An RSV vaccine may also be recommended for when you are 32-36 weeks pregnant. Be sure to talk to your doctor.

“Right now, we are seeing a concerning increase in cases of respiratory diseases, such as the flu, COVID-19 and RSV,” said Adm. Rachel Levin, MD, assistant secretary for health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “I encourage all pregnant people to take preventive action to protect their health and the health of their baby. The best and safest way to do this is to get vaccinated. Getting vaccinated is easy and is usually covered by insurance.”

HELP PROTECT YOUR BABY 

When you get flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines, you’re helping protect your baby by passing your immunity on to them. Getting vaccinated against flu, COVID-19 and RSV during pregnancy can protect your baby during the first 6 months of life. These viruses can be very harmful to newborns. In fact, RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization in infants.

TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT TIMING

Millions of people in the U.S. have already gotten vaccinated against flu, COVID-19 and RSV this season. If you haven’t gotten your vaccines yet, be sure to talk with your doctor. They can help you choose the right vaccines and determine the best timing to help protect you and your baby.

GET THE FACTS 

Getting vaccinated can give you peace of mind, ensuring you have done everything you can to protect yourself and your baby from serious respiratory illness. Information can give you power and comfort, especially when you’re pregnant.

Go to cdc.gov/RiskLessDoMore to learn more about flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines, or go to vaccines.gov to get started today.

Expert tips for staying healthy this winter: 

What older adults and caregivers need to know

As the colder winter weather settles in, rates of respiratory illnesses like flu, COVID-19 and RSV can rise. These infections pose higher risks for older adults and can cause severe illness and hospitalization.

“We all like to gather indoors in the winter because of the cold weather,” said Kari Benson, deputy assistant secretary for aging at the Administration for Community Living. “But those gatherings are easy places for viruses to spread and for older adults to get sick. The good news is there are many ways for older people to lower their risk of serious illness.”

Here are some expert tips for older adults and caregivers from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Pan Respiratory Virus Public Education Campaign, Risk Less. Do More.

Get vaccinated against flu, COVID-19 and RSV. Compared to 2023, vaccinations for flu and COVID-19 have increased among older adults. Vaccines are the best protection against serious illness and can cut a person’s risk of being hospitalized for flu or COVID-19 by about half and for RSV by about 70%. Most deaths from flu, COVID-19 and RSV are among people ages 65 and older, and this risk grows with age.

The 2024-25 flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available for all people ages 6 months and older. RSV vaccines are recommended for anyone 75 and older as well as those 60 and older with certain health conditions or who live in nursing homes. Older adults and caregivers can talk to their doctors about which vaccines are right for them.

Try to avoid people who are sick. If family or friends you are planning to see aren’t feeling well, it’s best to reschedule or move your get-together outside. If you must be inside with someone who is sick, wear a mask and ask them if they will wear one, too. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer frequently. You can also improve ventilation by opening doors and windows and using fans.

Limit time spent at large, indoor events. Viruses can spread quickly in large crowds, especially indoors. Spending extended periods in crowded inside spaces – such as large restaurants or concert and sports venues – can be risky, especially if rates of flu, COVID-19 or RSV are high in your community. Consider skipping these events until rates go down or going to outdoor events instead, if possible.

Respiratory viruses can surge during the winter months. However, there are ways to lower your risk of severe illness and hospitalization. To learn more about flu, COVID-19 and RSV, go to cdc.gov/RiskLessDoMore or talk to your doctor. Visit vaccines.gov to get started.