The United States is grappling with a surge in viral illnesses as the winter holiday season approaches. While flu activity has been relatively low, there has been a sustained increase in flu cases across the country, particularly in Southeastern states such as Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina, according to Alicia Budd, head of the domestic influenza surveillance team at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Budd and her team estimate that at least 780,000 people have fallen ill with the flu this season, resulting in over 8,000 hospitalizations and 490 deaths, including one child. The dominant strain is influenza type A, specifically H1N1, which is usually less severe for older adults. However, other strains are also circulating that can affect individuals of any age.

Fortunately, the strains included in this year's flu shot align with those currently circulating, raising hopes for the vaccine's effectiveness in preventing infection or reducing the severity of symptoms. Dr. Mandy Cohen, director of the CDC, emphasizes that it is not too late to get vaccinated.

Meanwhile, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is also on the rise, particularly in Texas and the Southeast. RSV, which usually peaks in January and February, is now peaking earlier in November and December, presenting a significant departure from previous years. Dr. Jeffrey Kahn, chief of pediatric infectious diseases at UT Southwestern Medical Center and Children's Health in Dallas, notes that the number of RSV cases exceeds previous seasons, causing congestion, coughing, and wheezing in young children.

The surge in RSV cases comes amidst a shortage of Beyfortus, a new drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration to prevent RSV infection in babies during their first and second seasons. The CDC and FDA have released an additional 77,000 doses of Beyfortus to address the shortage, but it remains unclear if this will fully resolve the issue. Some hospitals, including Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, are still facing low supplies of the drug.

Simultaneously, the number of positive COVID-19 cases appears to be plateauing after a summer wave of illness. However, health officials anticipate another increase in COVID-19 cases during the coming months. Additionally, data from WastewaterSCAN shows that the virus remains widespread across the United States, urging continued vigilance as the holiday season approaches.

Given the increasing viral activity, experts are once again emphasizing the importance of mask-wearing. Katelyn Jetelina, an epidemiologist at the University of Texas Health Science Center, stresses the need for preventive measures, stating, "I'm a mom, and I'm working, and I don't have time to get sick."

As the nation prepares for winter holiday gatherings, health officials urge individuals to stay informed, get vaccinated against the flu, and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and others from the flu, RSV, and COVID-19.