Thanksgiving approaches swiftly, ushering in a flurry of travel plans and last-minute dashes through grocery aisles for the perfect turkey. Amidst this festive rush, there’s a crucial plan to consider: how to stay healthy and steer clear of the array of seasonal viruses making rounds.
Across most parts of the United States, flu cases are on the rise, notably in the South and West, according to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Simultaneously, Covid-19 and the respiratory syncytial virus are spreading as many Americans embark on road trips and take to the skies this week, highlighted Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco. This increased movement means more exposure to contaminated surfaces and shared air with infected individuals.
“Record numbers of people will be traveling for Thanksgiving and the holidays,” he emphasized. “That means the risk will be coming from all corners of the country.”
Navigating through a sea of strangers might appear daunting for health-conscious individuals, but experts suggest several familiar precautions to prevent catching an illness from fellow travelers or visiting relatives this year.
‘Stay Vigilant’ While some Americans have continued wearing masks into 2023, many have abandoned the practice with the relaxation of local Covid-19 guidelines. Nonetheless, Chin-Hong stressed that wearing masks on public transport and at airports remains one of the most effective ways to halt disease spread.
“Masking isn’t just about protecting yourself; it also prevents you from unknowingly spreading a common cold if you have mild symptoms,” he explained.
Masking is especially crucial in areas with limited ventilation, such as crowded jet bridges at airports. Even in well-ventilated spaces, wearing masks provides an additional layer of defense against coughing and sneezing individuals.
When gathering for Thanksgiving dinner or meeting friends, opt for less crowded spaces, advised Chin-Hong.
“Choosing a less crowded area, like a window seat in a bar, can lower the risk,” he suggested.
Hand hygiene remains vital during the holidays, Chin-Hong emphasized. If soap and water aren’t accessible, a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can effectively eliminate many germs, as per CDC guidelines. Additionally, refraining from touching your eyes, nose, and mouth can reduce germ transmission.
In an ideal scenario, Chin-Hong acknowledged that the only foolproof way to avoid picking up a virus while traveling for the holidays is to abstain from travel altogether. However, this isn’t feasible for most Americans. AAA forecasts approximately 55 million travelers between the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after the holiday. On the Sunday after Thanksgiving alone, nearly 3 million people are anticipated to pass through airports nationwide, as per the Transportation Security Administration.
Nonetheless, not everyone will be flying. A majority—more than 49 million Americans—will be driving to their destinations. While some may perceive this as a safer alternative, Chin-Hong cautioned that a car remains an enclosed space where vigilance is still necessary.
“People tend to relax their guard when they’re with familiar individuals, but the virus doesn’t distinguish between relatives and strangers,” he warned. “I contracted Covid last Thanksgiving from a relative. I let my guard down because they were family, not a stranger on the street.”
Chin-Hong observed a growing nonchalance among Americans regarding circulating viruses. A recent KFF survey revealed that about three-quarters of adults express little to no concern about contracting Covid-19 during the holidays, with two-thirds unconcerned about transmitting the virus to close contacts.
For those worried about virus transmission, Chin-Hong suggested testing—whether for Covid-19, flu, or RSV—as a valuable option, particularly when visiting vulnerable relatives, such as those with compromised immunity or pregnant individuals.
“Relying solely on symptoms might not be enough,” he stressed. “Getting tested can distinguish between different viruses, especially crucial for flu and Covid. For those at risk, early intervention can shorten the illness or prevent hospitalization.”
Vaccination Availability For the first time, vaccines are accessible to combat Covid-19, influenza, and RSV, underscoring the importance of eligible individuals getting vaccinated promptly, experts emphasize.
The CDC recommends Covid-19 and flu shots for everyone aged 6 months and older. These vaccines are readily available at retail pharmacy chains like CVS and Walgreens, and they can even be administered simultaneously.
Chin-Hong emphasized the importance of young children receiving their flu shots, ideally last month. Even if parents haven’t received their own flu shots, he stressed the necessity of vaccinating their children.
RSV poses a significant risk to infants and young children. Nirsevimab, marketed as Beyfortus, is a long-acting monoclonal antibody injection providing protection against severe RSV-related illness in infants.
Although in short supply, the CDC announced the immediate distribution of over 77,000 additional doses to doctors’ offices and hospitals.
Additionally, there are two RSV vaccines available for individuals aged 60 and above. The CDC encourages prompt vaccination, and these shots are accessible at pharmacies, retailers, and local health clinics.
Maintaining updated vaccinations can alleviate the burden on hospitals, many of which were overwhelmed with RSV, flu, and Covid-19 cases last year, Chin-Hong highlighted.
He also advised ensuring the availability of cold and flu medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, especially for children, as these medications experienced shortages due to high demand last winter.
‘Stay Grounded’ In most regions, seasonal flu activity is resurging after taking a backseat during the Covid-19 pandemic. According to the CDC, flu-like activity has surged in Puerto Rico and several Southern US states, notably Louisiana, with 3.5% of healthcare visits for respiratory illnesses with fever, cough, or sore throat.
Meanwhile, Western states like Alaska, New Mexico, California, and Texas are witnessing a spike in cases, as per CDC data.
While over a third of US adults and nearly a third of children have received their flu shots this year, the rate of Covid-19 vaccination remains comparatively lower. Approximately 14% of adults and 5% of children have received the new Covid-19 vaccine, and around 14% of older adults aged 60 and above have received the new RSV vaccine.
Outpatient visits for flu-like illnesses remain lower than last year but higher compared to the previous four seasons. However, Covid-19-related hospital admissions, emergency department visits, and test positivity are all declining, according to CDC data.
Chin-Hong pointed out that while Covid-19 cases are currently decreasing, it’s still crucial to remain vigilant as the virus continues to cause severe illness and fatalities. He anticipates another surge in the new year.
“We can’t always predict everything, and it’s wise to stay humble about these viruses, their behavior, and their peak times,” he concluded.
