Parades, football, and full bellies — families are eagerly counting down the days until Thanksgiving. But if you’re traveling, you might experience more than just food comas this holiday. This season often brings illnesses due to increased respiratory illnesses, including the flu, COVID-19, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). These viruses are often spread more easily in crowded indoor spaces, making it especially important for families to protect themselves and their loved ones. One of the best ways to do that is by getting vaccinated.

Vaccination Timing

Time is important, whether cooking a turkey or scheduling vaccinations. If you missed the early fall push for flu and COVID-19 vaccines, don’t worry; it’s not too late. Health experts recommend getting vaccinated ahead of the holidays, as respiratory viruses tend to spread more rapidly with increased travel and indoor gatherings. The CDC emphasizes that the two-week period leading up to Thanksgiving is ideal for getting your flu and COVID-19 shots. This is because the body needs time to build immunity, which takes about two weeks.

COVID-19 cases tend to rise in the winter, starting around Thanksgiving and peaking in January. This winter surge often coincides with the start of flu season, which typically begins in November or December and peaks in January or February. As both viruses spread simultaneously, it can become confusing because they share similar symptoms. If not treated, this could result in severe illness, especially for those who are unvaccinated.

Why Vaccination Matters

Both COVID-19 and the flu can be serious, particularly for young children and pregnant women. The CDC urges everyone aged six months and older to get an updated COVID-19 vaccine and a flu shot. These vaccines can offer protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. While they may not prevent every illness, they have been proven to reduce the severity of infections.

According to the CDC, only 45% of adults received a flu vaccination last year, and just 23% received a COVID-19 shot. Given that COVID-19 still claimed more lives than the flu last year, it’s clear that this vaccination should be part of your routine immunization schedule.

The Importance of RSV Vaccination

It’s not only the flu and COVID-19 that impact the holidays. Another virus to be aware of is RSV, which can be particularly dangerous for young children. RSV is known for causing severe respiratory illnesses and hospitalizations each winter. The CDC recommends an RSV vaccine for those 75 and older and those aged 60–74 at increased risk. Pregnant women are also encouraged to get vaccinated to protect their newborns during the fall and winter months. Data shows that only 24% of seniors received the RSV vaccine last year, highlighting the need for more people to seek this protective measure.

Vaccine Options:

Flu Vaccines: This year’s flu vaccine targets two Type A strains and one Type B strain. For people 65 and older, high-dose shots and special immune-boosted options are available.

COVID-19 Vaccines: The updated COVID-19 shots offer enhanced protection as this strain continues to evolve and are available to everyone aged six months and older.

RSV Vaccines: The RSV vaccine is recommended for older adults, pregnant women, and those at increased risk. It’s a one-time shot that protects for the season.

Put Your Family First This Holiday Season

Thanksgiving is a special time that marks the beginning of the holiday season and the start of cooler weather. As you prepare the turkey, take a moment to prepare your body for the illnesses that circulate during winter. Getting vaccinated is quick and easy, and it only takes a little time to help reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalizations this season. This holiday, focus on making memories, not dealing with illness.

Sources:

CDC: Influenza, Updated COVID-19, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccination Coverage Among Adults — United States, Fall 2023

CDC: Immunizations for Respiratory Viruses Prevention

John Hopkins Medical: COVID-19 Vaccine: What You Need to Know

You might be noticing people around you are getting sick, especially children. The cause is the flu, with the CDC reporting a slight increase in cases among kids and confirming the first pediatric flu-related death of the 2024–25 season. It’s still early in the season, so parents need to stay informed about the risk the flu poses to children and the steps they can take to keep their families safe. While national flu activity remains relatively low, some early trends are worth noting.

Pediatric Flu Trends and Vaccination Gaps

It’s a tragic milestone for the CDC to report this season’s first influenza death. This comes after a record-breaking 200 pediatric deaths in the previous season, many of which occurred in children who were not fully vaccinated.

Flu vaccination rates among children have declined, with only 53.9% vaccinated last season. This is a drop compared to pre-pandemic years. This decline is concerning because the flu vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of medical visits by two-thirds and cut the risk of hospitalization in children in half.

How Parents Can Take Action

It’s recommended that everyone aged six months and older receive their annual flu shot by the end of October. According to the CDC it’s important for:

● Young children: Kids up to 8 years old receiving their first flu shot may need two doses for full protection.

● Older adults: Those over 65 should consider a higher-dose flu vaccine for better protection.

How the Flu Vaccine Works

The flu vaccine is administered in the arm. Once it enters the body, it stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies, proteins that help the body recognize and fight the flu viruses. These antibodies take up to two weeks to take effect and protect against the specific strains of flu viruses included in the vaccine.

The flu vaccine is designed annually to target the influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming flu season. There are different types of flu vaccines, such as inactivated vaccines (made from killed viruses), live attenuated vaccines (containing weakened viruses), and recombinant vaccines (made without using the flu virus itself).

This vaccine undergoes several tests before it’s given to the public. Its yearly effectiveness can range from 40% to 60% when matched to the circulating strains. While the vaccine may not always prevent infection, it significantly reduces the severity of illness, the risk of complications like hospitalization, and the likelihood of flu-related deaths.

The Bigger Picture

Flu activity tends to rise during fall and winter, peaking between December and February. However, the virus circulates year-round, and its impact varies seasonally. Over the past decade, the flu has caused up to 41 million illnesses, 710,000 hospitalizations, and 51,000 deaths annually.

Parents should note that the flu is not the only respiratory virus circulating. Several other viruses, such as RSV and COVID-19 get thrown into the mix at this time of year.

Tips to Keep Your Family Healthy

● Get vaccinated: Flu shots are widely available at doctor’s offices, pharmacies, and clinics.

● Stay vigilant: Encourage good hand hygiene and keep children home if they’re unwell.

● Know the signs: Watch for flu symptoms like fever, chills, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, and fatigue.

The flu can be unpredictable, but recognizing the signs early and taking preventive measures can help you manage the risks and avoid complications. Vaccinating your children, whether it reduces their risk by 40% or 60%, can make a significant difference as they participate in more indoor activities and interact with other children. With the flu season in full swing, we all must take responsibility for preventing the spread of illness, especially as we prepare to gather with family and friends during the upcoming holidays.

Sources:

CDC: Flu and Children

CDC: New Grim Milestone for Flu Pediatric Deaths Set

CDC: Flu Burden

CDC: Flu Deaths in Children Last Season Reach 199, Matching Record