Seasonal Illnesses on the Rise: Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones During the Holidays

As the weather cools and gatherings move indoors, flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are making their seasonal comeback. These illnesses send hundreds of thousands of Americans to the hospital every year, but there’s a simple way to protect yourself and your loved ones: get vaccinated.

Vaccines are one of the best tools to keep our communities healthy. They provide protection from severe illness and help reduce the strain on local hospitals during the busy winter season.

It’s Not Too Late to Vaccinate

The flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines help your immune system recognize and fight these viruses before they can make you seriously ill. If you haven’t gotten your vaccines yet, there’s still time — and you can even receive all three during the same visit.

Getting any of these vaccines does not affect your ability to donate blood. There’s no waiting period after vaccination as long as you’re healthy, feeling well, and symptom-free at the time of donation.

Flu, COVID-19, or Just a Cold? Know the Difference

Influenza, COVID-19, and RSV are all contagious respiratory illnesses that can range from mild to severe — and their symptoms often overlap.

• Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly. People who have flu often feel some or all of these symptoms ─ fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache and fatigue.
• COVID-19 is very contagious, spreads quickly and may attack more than your lungs and respiratory system. Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some people become severely ill. Symptoms are similar to flu. Quick testing for both flu and COVID-19 viruses allows for faster diagnosis and treatment.
• Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, infects the nose, throat and lungs. RSV does not usually cause severe illness in healthy adults and children. However, some people with RSV infection, especially infants younger than 6 months of age and adults who are older or have certain risk factors, can become very sick and may need to be hospitalized.

Who Should Get Vaccinated

• Flu vaccine: Everyone six months and older should get a flu shot each year. Vaccination is especially important for those at higher risk of serious complications.
• COVID-19 vaccine: The CDC recommends an updated vaccine for most adults. Parents should discuss vaccination with their child’s healthcare provider. It’s particularly important for adults 65 and older.
• RSV vaccine: Recommended for everyone age 75 and older, and for adults ages 50–74 at increased risk of severe RSV illness.

Make This Holiday Season Healthier and Safer
Taking a few simple steps now can help ensure you and your loved ones enjoy a healthy, happy holiday season. Getting vaccinated against flu, COVID-19, and RSV is the best way to protect yourself, reduce the risk of serious illness, and keep your community safe.

Whether it’s a quick trip to your healthcare provider or a visit to a local pharmacy, getting your vaccines is safe and easy. This holiday season, give yourself and those around you the gift of health — because staying well is the best way to celebrate.