Flu & RSV cases are on the rise this holiday season

It’s the thick of the holiday season, and along with the usual cheer, we’re seeing a big jump in respiratory viruses. Hospitals across the U.S. are dealing with a surge in both the flu and RSV—basically a “dual-demic”—right when everyone’s traveling and crowding indoors. This mix makes things tough for public health and really highlights why we need to look out for ourselves and each other.

Why Are Cases Spiking?

Honestly, this wave didn’t come out of nowhere, but it’s hitting pretty hard. Flu cases started rising fast back in late fall and now, lots of places are seeing high numbers of people coming in with respiratory symptoms. RSV, which usually hits little kids and older folks hardest, peaked earlier than usual and is still going strong. With packed airports, family get-togethers, and holiday parties, it’s the perfect setup for these viruses to spread—mainly through droplets when people talk, sneeze, or cough.

Flu vs. RSV: What to Look For

Both hit your breathing, but they show up a bit differently.

The flu tends to hit all at once. You might get a high fever, chills, muscle aches, feel wiped out, get a headache, a dry cough, sore throat, and be stuffed up.

RSV usually feels like a regular cold for adults and big kids—runny nose, less appetite, cough, sneezing, maybe a mild fever. But for babies under one and people over 65, it can get serious, causing bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

Who Needs to Be Extra Careful

Some groups really need to watch out:

For the flu: adults over 65, young kids, pregnant people, and anyone with chronic health issues like asthma, heart disease, or diabetes.

For RSV: babies under six months, adults over 65, and folks with weak immune systems or long-term lung or heart problems.

For these people, even a mild case can get bad fast, so prevention and checking in with a doctor early make a big difference.

How to Stay Healthy This Holiday Season

There’s a lot you can do to lower your risk and help slow the spread:

Get vaccinated. This is huge. Everyone six months and older should get a flu shot every year. There’s a new RSV vaccine for adults 60+ and for pregnant people (to help protect newborns). These vaccines really cut down your chances of getting seriously sick or ending up in the hospital.

 good hygiene. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze—use a tissue or your elbow. Wash your hands well and often, or use hand sanitizer if you’re in a pinch.

Think about masks. If you’re in a crowded indoor place—airports, malls, you name it—a good mask (N95, KN95, or KF94) adds a strong layer of protection.

Stay home if you’re sick. Seriously, this matters. Even if you just feel a little off, skip the party and steer clear of others. Rest up—you’ll recover faster and keep from passing your germs around.

Get tested and treated. If you start feeling sick, talk to a healthcare provider. Tests can sort out whether you have the flu, RSV, or even COVID-19. If it’s the flu, meds like Tamiflu or X-ofluza work best if you start them within 48 hours.

Bottom line: Taking care of your health—and looking out for everyone else’s—is the best gift you can give this time of year. Stay informed, take simple precautions, and if you get sick, act fast and responsibly. That’s how we make sure the holidays stay healthy and safe for all of us.