Breathe Easy This Winter: Protecting Yourself from Flu, RSV, and COVID-19

As the holiday season approaches and winter settles in, so does the heightened risk of respiratory illness. December marks National Influenza Vaccination Week, but with the continued presence of RSV and COVID-19, now is the time to take a broader look at respiratory health. These viruses can pose serious threats especially to the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses. Fortunately, vaccines and preventive strategies offer powerful protection.

Staying Healthy This Winter: Protecting Yourself and Your Loved Ones

Seasonal Health & Prevention Blog

This month’s blog focuses on practical steps you can take to stay healthy and protect your loved ones during the colder months, when respiratory illnesses are most common.

Understanding the Threat

Winter brings an increase in respiratory viruses that can have serious consequences especially for older adults, young children, and those with underlying health conditions.

  • Influenza (Flu):
    The flu infects millions of Americans each year and can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, hospitalization, and death particularly among older adults.

  • RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus):
    RSV is especially dangerous for infants and seniors and remains a leading cause of winter hospitalizations.

  • COVID-19:
    While no longer at peak crisis levels, COVID-19 continues to circulate and cause illness, particularly in high-risk populations.

Many respiratory illnesses share similar symptoms such as cough, fever, congestion, and fatigue making diagnosis difficult without proper testing.

Why Vaccination Matters

Vaccines are your first and strongest line of defense. Here’s what to know:

  • Flu Vaccine:
    Updated annually to match circulating strains and recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older.

  • COVID-19 Boosters:
    Updated boosters are available to better match current variants and are especially important for older adults and immunocompromised individuals.

  • RSV Vaccine:
    Newly available for adults 60 and older, as well as for pregnant women to help protect newborns.

Vaccination doesn’t just protect individuals it protects communities by reducing viral spread and preventing hospital systems from becoming overwhelmed during peak winter months.

Prevention Beyond Vaccines

In addition to vaccination, simple preventive habits can significantly reduce risk:

  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water

  • Stay home when feeling sick

  • Wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces, especially if you’re high-risk

  • Improve ventilation and use air purifiers when possible

  • Support immune health through adequate sleep, regular exercise, and balanced nutrition

Real Story: A Grandmother’s Holiday Hospital Stay

Mrs. Evans, a 72-year-old grandmother from Washington, D.C., was eagerly anticipating Christmas with her grandchildren. One week before the holiday, she developed flu-like symptoms. Assuming it was a mild cold, she delayed seeking medical care.

Within days, she was admitted to the emergency room with pneumonia—a serious complication of influenza. She spent Christmas in a hospital bed, struggling to breathe.

Mrs. Evans ultimately recovered, but the experience changed her perspective. Now, she reminds her church group every year to get vaccinated early.

“I thought I was healthy and careful. I didn’t think I needed it. I was wrong.”

Local Resources: DMV-Area Vaccine & Respiratory Clinics

National Resources

Final Thoughts

Staying healthy this winter is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give—to yourself and to those around you. Vaccination, smart hygiene practices, and early action can prevent serious illness and save lives.

Let’s keep our communities strong and our celebrations joyful—by protecting our lungs, our health, and each other.

Dr. Bertrand Fote, MD, MBA, FACEP, CF2
Emergency Medicine Physician & Health Equity Advocate

Staying Healthy This Winter: Protecting Yourself and Your Loved Ones

Seasonal Health & Prevention Blog

This month’s blog focuses on practical steps you can take to stay healthy and protect your loved ones during the colder months, when respiratory illnesses are most common.

Understanding the Threat

Winter brings an increase in respiratory viruses that can have serious consequences especially for older adults, young children, and those with underlying health conditions.

  • Influenza (Flu):
    The flu infects millions of Americans each year and can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, hospitalization, and death particularly among older adults.

  • RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus):
    RSV is especially dangerous for infants and seniors and remains a leading cause of winter hospitalizations.

  • COVID-19:
    While no longer at peak crisis levels, COVID-19 continues to circulate and cause illness, particularly in high-risk populations.

Many respiratory illnesses share similar symptoms such as cough, fever, congestion, and fatigue making diagnosis difficult without proper testing.

Why Vaccination Matters

Vaccines are your first and strongest line of defense. Here’s what to know:

  • Flu Vaccine:
    Updated annually to match circulating strains and recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older.

  • COVID-19 Boosters:
    Updated boosters are available to better match current variants and are especially important for older adults and immunocompromised individuals.

  • RSV Vaccine:
    Newly available for adults 60 and older, as well as for pregnant women to help protect newborns.

Vaccination doesn’t just protect individuals it protects communities by reducing viral spread and preventing hospital systems from becoming overwhelmed during peak winter months.

Prevention Beyond Vaccines

In addition to vaccination, simple preventive habits can significantly reduce risk:

  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water

  • Stay home when feeling sick

  • Wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces, especially if you’re high-risk

  • Improve ventilation and use air purifiers when possible

  • Support immune health through adequate sleep, regular exercise, and balanced nutrition

Real Story: A Grandmother’s Holiday Hospital Stay

Mrs. Evans, a 72-year-old grandmother from Washington, D.C., was eagerly anticipating Christmas with her grandchildren. One week before the holiday, she developed flu-like symptoms. Assuming it was a mild cold, she delayed seeking medical care.

Within days, she was admitted to the emergency room with pneumonia—a serious complication of influenza. She spent Christmas in a hospital bed, struggling to breathe.

Mrs. Evans ultimately recovered, but the experience changed her perspective. Now, she reminds her church group every year to get vaccinated early.

“I thought I was healthy and careful. I didn’t think I needed it. I was wrong.”

Local Resources: DMV-Area Vaccine & Respiratory Clinics

National Resources

Final Thoughts

Staying healthy this winter is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give—to yourself and to those around you. Vaccination, smart hygiene practices, and early action can prevent serious illness and save lives.

Let’s keep our communities strong and our celebrations joyful—by protecting our lungs, our health, and each other.

Dr. Bertrand Fote, MD, MBA, FACEP, CF2
Emergency Medicine Physician & Health Equity Advocate

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