Stay Healthy This Winter: Expert Tips to Combat Rising Respiratory Infections

As colder months approach, health experts are urging individuals to be proactive in reducing their risk of respiratory infections, including the flu, COVID-19, and RSV. Dr. Robert Jacobson, the medical director of Mayo Clinic's Primary Care Immunization Program, emphasizes the importance of vaccination as the most effective tool in preventing these illnesses, which tend to surge during fall and winter due to increased indoor gatherings and travel. Currently, respiratory virus infection rates in the U.S. are low but are on the rise, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dr. Jacobson points out that each year, about 10% to 20% of the population contracts the flu, underscoring that everyone is at risk, and it is possible to contract the virus multiple times within a single year. "Getting vaccinated provides specific protection your body can develop to safeguard you and your loved ones," Jacobson explains. Alongside vaccination, maintaining rigorous hand hygiene is critical in combatting the spread of viruses. Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds can significantly help in preventing the transmission of germs. Jacobson recommends washing hands after specific activities, such as using the bathroom, coming home from work, or spending time in crowded places. In addition to handwashing, Dr. Jacobson shares several strategies to further mitigate the risk of respiratory infections: 1. **Avoid Touching Your Face**: Keeping hands away from the eyes, nose, and mouth can prevent germs from entering the body. 2. **Cover Your Coughs and Sneezes**: Coughing or sneezing into a tissue or your elbow, followed by handwashing, can help contain germs. 3. **Clean Surfaces**: Regularly disinfecting frequently touched surfaces can reduce the likelihood of infection transmission through contact. 4. **Avoid Crowds**: As flu spreads easily in crowded environments such as schools, offices, and public transport, staying away from these settings during peak flu season can lower the risk of contracting the virus. Finally, if individuals do fall ill, staying at home is crucial to prevent spreading the infection to others. By implementing these preventive measures, individuals can better protect themselves and their communities from respiratory viruses this season.