It’s baaaack: What you should know about respiratory virus season

Key Takeaways:

• While it begins in the fall, respiratory virus season peaks between December and February.
• It’s best to receive flu and COVID vaccines by the end of October, but it’s never too late to get them.
• Proper hand hygiene, good cough etiquette, and staying home when you’re sick are the best ways to stop the spread of respiratory illness.

The return of fall brings the changing of leaves, cooler temperatures, and the dreaded respiratory virus season.

In early October, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported an earlier-than-usual increase in seasonal influenza, especially on the West Coast.

In this blog, we’re going to talk about respiratory illness, its symptoms, and how to prevent it. 

When does respiratory illness season typically occur?

Respiratory season typically starts in the fall and starts to increase during the winter months. We see a peak sometime between December and February, as we tend to spend more time indoors during the winter months, which makes it easier for viruses to spread. We typically see a few surges after holiday gatherings.

What are the symptoms of respiratory illness?

Symptoms of upper respiratory infection can include cough, sore throat, runny nose, fever, fatigue, and head and body aches. It can vary from mild to severe based on the specific virus as well as the specific individual.

What are the main differences between the flu and COVID?

Flu and COVID can cause many of the same symptoms. 

Flu may have a more abrupt onset, whereas COVID might be a little bit more gradual. However, it’s hard to tease out these differences. That’s why testing can help with next steps.

What are the best practices for preventing a respiratory infection?

The best practices for combating respiratory infections throughout the season include hand hygiene, cough etiquette such as coughing into your elbow, making sure you’re up to date with your vaccinations, and staying home when sick.

Speaking of vaccinations, is there anyone who shouldn’t be vaccinated?

Most people can safely receive the influenza and COVID vaccines. 

If you have any concerns about a severe allergy to vaccination, or you have any questions about what vaccines are right for you, it’s probably best to make an appointment with a healthcare provider to talk through your options.

Can I get COVID and flu vaccines on the same day and in the same arm?

Yes, you can receive the flu and COVID vaccines at the same time. You can receive them in the same arm, typically a few inches apart. However, some people do opt to get them in different arms.

When is the best time to get a vaccine?

For most people, the best time to get respiratory virus vaccination is in early fall, at least by October. That allows your body to build up defenses before we see the higher rates of infections during the late fall and winter.

Can you get them past early fall and still be protected?

As we can see respiratory viruses lingering through spring, it’s never too late if you decide to get vaccination later in the year.

If I start to experience symptoms, will I get accurate results from an at-home test, or should testing be done by a medical professional?

At-home testing can be a very useful tool. But just because a test may be negative, it might not mean that you do not have an infection. 

If you’re experiencing worsening symptoms or have certain medical conditions, it’s probably best to seek additional care with your primary care physician.

What’s the most important thing I should know about respiratory virus season?

Don’t underestimate the basics. Stay home when you’re sick. Wash your hands. Make sure you’re up to date with your vaccinations and practice good cough etiquette. These are really great practices that can protect yourself, your family, and our communities.