January 05, 2025

RSV: The 2024 Fall-Winter Season: - An Overview

The 2024 fall-winter season for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is important for many people, including health officials and everyday citizens. RSV is a very contagious virus that mainly affects the lungs and breathing, causing anything from mild cold-like symptoms to serious breathing problems. In this article, we will discuss how people catch RSV, who is most at risk for severe sickness, the rates of infection, hospital stays, and death this year, as well as how to stay safe from RSV.

How People Catch RSV

RSV spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes, sending tiny droplets into the air. You can also get it by being in close contact with someone who is infected, like hugging or kissing them, or by touching things that have the virus on them and then touching your face. Babies and young children are especially vulnerable to RSV. Most kids will have had RSV by the time they are two years old. However, adults, especially older adults and those with weak immune systems, can also get RSV.

Who is Most at Risk for Severe RSV Infection?

Some groups of people are at a higher risk of getting very sick from RSV, including:

Babies, especially premature babies: They are at a greater risk for serious RSV infections that can lead to problems like pneumonia.

Older adults: People 65 and older, especially those with health issues like heart or lung problems, have a greater chance of severe RSV infection.

People with weak immune systems: Those who have conditions that weaken their immune system or who are undergoing treatments like chemotherapy are more likely to get severe RSV illness.

Rates of RSV Infection in 2024

Public health agencies have kept a close eye on how many people are getting RSV in 2024. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), RSV activity has been mostly low around the country, but there are signs of more cases in the southeastern United States, particularly among young children. The CDC believes that the peak of hospitalizations due to RSV, flu, and COVID-19 this year will be about the same as or lower than last year.

Rates of Hospitalization and Death in 2024

Hospitalization rates for RSV in 2024 are expected to be about the same as or lower than the previous year. The CDC estimates that the highest weekly hospitalization rate for RSV will be around 4.2 people per 100,000. While there isn't exact information about RSV-related deaths in 2024 yet, the signs point to fewer severe cases than in the past.

How to Protect Yourself from RSV

To stay safe from getting RSV, you can do several things:

Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands often with soap and water, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and clean surfaces that many people touch.

Stay home when sick: If you feel sick, try to stay away from others to prevent spreading illness.

Vaccinations: Keep up with recommended vaccines, including the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine, which help protect against serious sickness.

Improve indoor air quality: Use air purifiers and open windows to let in fresh air. Meeting outdoors is also a great idea when possible.

Wear masks and keep distance: In high-risk areas, wearing masks and staying a safe distance from others can help prevent the spread of RSV.

In conclusion, the 2024 fall-winter RSV season has shown low overall activity. Many methods, like getting vaccinated and practicing good hygiene, play an important role in stopping the virus from spreading. By staying informed and following these tips, everyone can help protect themselves and others from RSV infections

Looking for more information?

Sincerely

Dr. Ritesh Mistry