Staying Healthy During the Holiday Season: Navigating the Rise of New Covid Subvariant, Flu, and RSV Cases

Sign up for CNN's Life, But Better newsletter for helpful tips and tools to enhance your well-being with a weekly roundup on simple and healthy living. Stay informed about the latest developments, such as the rapid spread of the JN.1 subvariant of the coronavirus, now accounting for 20% of new Covid-19 infections in the U.S. and becoming the dominant strain in the Northeast, according to the CDC.

Meanwhile, clinicians have been alerted by the CDC about the necessity of ramping up immunization efforts for influenza, Covid-19, and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. The public health agency has disclosed that over the last month, hospitalizations have surged by 200% for influenza, 60% for RSV, and 51% for Covid-19 across all age groups.

Ill woman looking at thermometer at home.

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Amid the widespread spread of respiratory viruses, what steps should be taken if you become ill? With the surge in infections occurring just before the holiday season, as families nationwide are making arrangements for gatherings, it's essential to understand the winter viruses contributing to the resurgence of hospital admissions. What measures should individuals be mindful of during this holiday season, particularly while traveling? Furthermore, how can event organizers mitigate the risk of virus transmission through additional precautions?

I consulted with Dr. Leana Wen, a CNN wellness medical expert and emergency physician, as well as a professor of health policy and management at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, to address these questions. Dr. Wen previously held the position of health commissioner in Baltimore. To start, let's discuss the JN.1 subvariant of the coronavirus.

Dr. Leana Wen stated that the JN.1 subvariant, a descendant of the BA.2.86 subvariant, is part of the dominant Omicron strain since 2022. JN.1 has spread in Europe and Asia and is now rapidly gaining ground in the US.

The good news is that our current tools are still effective against JN.1. We now have more tools to fight the coronavirus than we did two winters ago. The updated coronavirus vaccine and antiviral treatments, such as Paxlovid, are widely available. The CDC has alerted clinicians to stress the importance of patients being up-to-date on their vaccines and utilizing available treatments. Vaccines and treatments together are highly effective in reducing severe illness, which will also alleviate strain on hospitals.

CNN: What is the significance of getting vaccinated against the flu and RSV? Wen: Hospitalizations for both the flu and RSV are increasing, despite the availability of safe and effective vaccines. However, vaccination rates continue to be low.

Feeling down during the holiday season. A man experiencing sadness, loneliness, or fatigue due to stress, grief, or depression. Dealing with family conflict, isolation, frustration, or financial difficulties during Christmas. An individual suffering from the flu, pain, and headaches while celebrating the holiday.

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The CDC's clinician alert revealed that by November 18, there had been 7.4 million fewer influenza vaccine doses administered to adults in pharmacies and physician offices compared to the 2022-2023 influenza season. Childhood flu vaccination rates are also low, at under 36% this year, compared to just over 39% at this point last year. In terms of RSV, only about 15% of eligible older adults have received it.

It is important for everyone 6 months and older to receive the flu vaccine, while the RSV vaccine is available to those 60 and older. Vaccination lowers the risk of infection and, importantly, reduces the risk of developing severe illness and death.

CNN: Besides getting vaccinated, what other safety measures should people take during the holiday season?

Wen: The precautions individuals should take will vary based on their medical conditions and the health status of the people they will be spending time with.

If someone and everyone they plan to spend time with are generally healthy, and general precautions like good handwashing and staying away from others when ill are followed, their holiday gatherings may be no different compared with pre-pandemic days.

Make a habit of frequent handwashing to help reduce the risk of catching or spreading winter viruses.

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Alternatively, for elderly individuals, those with compromised immune systems, or those with serious underlying health conditions, it may be best to take extra precautions. This may involve wearing an N95 mask or similar when in indoor public spaces, and opting for outdoor gatherings or well-ventilated, uncrowded indoor spaces when meeting with others.

If you are healthy but will be around vulnerable individuals, it is important to have a conversation with them to understand their preferences for safety measures. This could include taking a rapid Covid-19 test before spending time with them, choosing smaller, quieter gatherings over large, crowded events, or minimizing virus exposure in the days leading up to the gathering. It's essential to respect the wishes of the most vulnerable and cautious individuals in these situations.

When traveling, it's important to prioritize safety, especially regarding the avoidance of viruses. This may include wearing a high-quality mask in crowded areas, avoiding packed restaurants and bars, and considering packing home coronavirus tests for symptom monitoring.

funny cat at home sitting at home Beautiful Christmas background with a new year daccor, Christmas tree with embellishments. Christmas card with a Christmas.

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Event organizers can take additional steps to help reduce the spread of viruses. This includes providing hand sanitizer, promoting proper hygiene practices, and implementing measures for social distancing.

When hosting holiday gatherings, it is safer to open doors and windows for better ventilation. In areas where possible, providing an outdoor option allows for those who are more cautious to attend and socialize.

To make buffets safer, encourage guests to go in small groups, avoid congregating around food and drink, and have hand sanitizer readily available.

Consider requesting guests who have expressed the need for extra precautions to take a rapid home coronavirus test on the day of the event. While the test may not detect every case of Covid-19, it can help identify those with a high viral load.

It is important to note that Covid-19 is not the only virus that can pose a threat to vulnerable individuals. Therefore, it is crucial for people to get vaccinated to protect themselves and lower their risk of severe illness.