It's Back: Cold, Flu and RSV Season
For the current cold and flu season, it’s important to recognize that upper respiratory infections can affect our community during colder months. There are many different viruses, but the most burdensome are influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the 2023–2024 influenza season in the U.S. is considered moderately severe with estimates of at least 34 million symptomatic illnesses, 15 million medical visits, 380,000 hospitalizations, and 17,000 deaths caused by influenza virus infections.
Stay safe this flu season with an annual vaccination
The flu is an aggressive respiratory virus that affects more vulnerable groups, such as young children and individuals with asthma. Although medical treatments exist, they are not always reliable and mainly involve supportive care to help manage symptoms. Getting a yearly flu vaccine can help prevent the spread of the flu from entering your household. Schedule an appointment with your primary care provider to receive your flu vaccination.
Protecting infants and children from respiratory risks
RSV season has also started. RSV can be a chronic lingering respiratory infection for infants and younger children. The virus has a greater impact on health for younger patients, with infants under one year being at the highest risk.
In September 2023, the CDC released its first-ever disease season outlook that states the peak hospitalization burden due to RSV during the 2023–2024 season was 4.2 hospitalizations per 100,000. Like the flu, there is no consistent treatment, but symptoms may be managed with supportive care.
New this year is Beyfortus, an antibody that helps protect infants against severe RSV infections. Talk to your pediatrician to learn more about this treatment.
What families need to know about managing COVID-19 exposure in children
Finally, COVID remains a concern as well. Although children have generally been a protected population, they can still catch and spread the virus to vulnerable family members. Testing and lessening exposure are currently the mainstays of management, according to the CDC.
There are no approved treatments for children, and vaccines are no longer readily available for pediatrics. Therefore, the care remains focused on supportive treatment. Testing can help decide exposure risk to family members, and if necessary, help isolate affected individuals from others at school or work.
Contact your pediatrician or primary care provider if you have questions or to get immunized. We, at UF Health Family Medicine and Pediatrics – Oakleaf, are happy to help in any way we can. Our health care team offers primary care services for newborns to older adults.
Visit UF Health Family Medicine and Pediatrics – Oakleaf, or call 904-633-0820 today to schedule an appointment.
Visit UFJaxPrimaryCare.org to find a primary care practice near you.
Kevin Kasych, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician with more than 24 years of clinical experience. He has a passion for medical education and has been a mentor to many students, residents, and advanced practitioners over the years.