Stay Healthy this Holiday Season: What You Need to Know About Infectious Diseases!

As the holiday season approaches, families and friends are gearing up for festive gatherings. Unfortunately, this joy is often accompanied by a host of circulating infectious diseases. Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease specialist at UC San Francisco, warns that we should keep a close eye on the "Big Four": influenza, COVID-19, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), and norovirus.

Recent data from WastewaterScan, an infectious disease monitoring initiative led by researchers from Stanford and Emory universities, indicates that these viruses are on the rise across the nation. COVID-19 is particularly noteworthy, with half of the U.S. east of Montana showing high levels of the virus, while more western states are generally low but have hot spots in major cities like San Francisco, Seattle, Salt Lake City, and Boise.

With the holiday travel rush, this distribution of viruses could shift. Dr. Chin-Hong refers to this as "the Great Holiday Equalizer," where gatherings can rapidly spread infections.

Influenza is currently the primary concern. Though the CDC's forecast suggested a low impact from the flu this season, Dr. Chin-Hong notes troubling trends emerging from the U.K. and South America, where flu cases have soared early this December compared to last year. In these regions, hospitalizations are also notably higher than in the previous flu season, which could indicate a more severe flu impact than anticipated.

The doctor suggests that the CDC's optimistic outlook may stem from the assumption that many have some immunity left over from last year's infections, bolstered by vaccinations. However, he urges caution: two main flu strains, H1N1 and H3N2, are currently circulating, with H3N2 historically linked to more severe illness. Thankfully, the current flu vaccine is designed to protect against these strains.

In light of the ongoing threat of the H5N1 bird flu, Dr. Chin-Hong emphasizes getting vaccinated against seasonal flu to mitigate any potential mixing of viruses. Although there’s little evidence of H5N1 transmission between humans, vigilance is essential. He recommends avoiding raw milk, raw eggs, and undercooked meats as a precaution.

Moreover, COVID-19, RSV, and norovirus are also threats this season. Rising COVID-19 levels have been detected in wastewater, but hospitalizations are not expected to spike significantly this year. Dr. Chin-Hong speculates that recent infections may offer some immunity for now, though COVID's tendency to develop new variants remains a concern.

To safeguard yourself, follow "The three Vs": Vaccinate, Ventilate, and Wash your hands frequently. Wearing masks indoors and mingling outdoors or in well-ventilated spaces can help reduce the risk of infection.

Norovirus, which leads to gastrointestinal problems, spreads easily through contaminated surfaces. Frequent handwashing and avoiding touching your face are crucial preventive measures. Dr. Chin-Hong notes that norovirus seems prevalent, with many healthcare workers reporting encounters with it lately.

Additionally, rhinovirus (common cold), pertussis, and walking pneumonia are also circulating. If you’re feeling unwell, the most responsible action is to stay home, even if it means missing out on holiday celebrations.

As we look forward to the holidays, prioritizing health through vaccination and hygiene practices could make a significant difference in how we experience this joyful season. Stay safe and celebrate wisely!