Navigating the 2024-2025 Respiratory Season: What You Need to Know
The 2024-2025 respiratory season is shaping up to be one of the worst in recent memory, with particularly high levels of influenza and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) leading to a surge in hospitalizations. While COVID-19 is still circulating, it is playing a lesser role compared to past seasons. In this post, we’ll break down what’s happening, how it may affect you, and what you can do to stay healthy.
A Rough Season: High Influenza and RSV Activity
This year’s flu and RSV season is proving to be one of the most intense in possibly 25 years, with hospitals seeing an increase in pneumonia cases as a result. In Colorado, influenza hospitalizations have been significantly higher than usual, and RSV has been putting additional strain on healthcare systems, particularly in young children and older adults. Many emergency rooms and hospitals in the state are reporting full or near-full capacity due to the influx of respiratory illnesses.
COVID-19: A Different Story This Year
Unlike the past few years, COVID-19 has not been the dominant respiratory threat this season. Levels are lower than in previous winters, largely due to a significant peak in the fall and the fact that the current variant has not evolved much. This means fewer hospitalizations compared to past COVID-19 surges. However, COVID-19 is still circulating, and it’s important to consider community transmission levels, particularly if you or someone close to you is at higher risk for severe illness.
The Flu Vaccine: Lower Effectiveness, But Still Helpful
This year’s influenza vaccine isn’t as effective as we would like, with CDC estimates suggesting it’s around 35% effective. While this may seem low, it’s important to remember that vaccination still provides meaningful protection against severe disease and hospitalization. Even partial protection can help reduce the severity and duration of illness if you do catch the flu. The CDC continues to recommend the flu shot for everyone aged six months and older, especially for those at higher risk. While vaccination rates remain relatively low, any level of protection is better than none.
Antiviral Medications: Effective When Taken Early
While the flu vaccine may not be highly protective this year, flu antivirals like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) remain a strong defense—if started early. These medications can significantly reduce symptom severity and prevent complications, particularly for those at higher risk of severe illness. If you develop flu symptoms, don’t wait—contact your healthcare provider promptly to discuss antiviral treatment options.
If you are unable to access antiviral medications immediately, make sure to rest, stay hydrated, and use over-the-counter treatments to alleviate symptoms. However, if your symptoms worsen or you have underlying conditions that put you at risk, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Considering Your Personal Risk
Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, consider your individual risk factors when making decisions about prevention and treatment. Ask yourself the following:
- What are your personal risk factors?
Are you in a high-risk category, such as being over the age of 65 or having chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease? If so, you’re at greater risk for severe illness from flu, RSV, or COVID-19.
- Are you regularly in contact with high-risk individuals?
Do you care for children, elderly family members, or individuals with weakened immune systems? If so, even if you’re healthy, you should take extra precautions to avoid exposing them to respiratory viruses.
- What’s the level of COVID-19 in your community?
In some areas, COVID-19 may still be circulating at higher rates. Check local public health data to get an idea of how prevalent COVID-19 is in your community. Higher levels of community transmission can increase your risk of exposure.
- What’s the likelihood of exposure?
Are you in a high-exposure setting, like a crowded workplace or healthcare setting? If you’re in a place where you’re more likely to encounter people who are sick, you may want to take extra precautions like wearing masks or avoiding large gatherings.
- Have you received your vaccinations?
If you haven’t already, now’s a great time to get vaccinated. Both the flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine can significantly reduce your risk of serious illness, hospitalization, and death.
These factors can help guide your choices, whether that means prioritizing vaccination, wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces, or seeking early treatment if you develop symptoms.
Supporting Your Immune System and Nasal Health
Beyond vaccines and antivirals, there are additional steps you can take to stay healthy. If you’ve read our previous posts or watched our videos, you’ll know that immune-supporting supplements and nasal hygiene can play a role in respiratory health. While these aren’t substitutes for medical treatment, they may help reduce your risk of infection or support a faster recovery. Be sure to check out our earlier blog posts for more details on these strategies!
The Bottom Line: Stay Proactive
This respiratory season is a tough one, but by staying informed and taking appropriate precautions, you can reduce your risk of severe illness. Whether it’s getting vaccinated, considering early antiviral treatment, or simply assessing your personal risk factors, small proactive steps can make a big difference. If you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.
Stay safe, stay informed, and let’s get through this season together!
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Weekly U.S. influenza surveillance reports, RSV burden estimates, and COVID-19 trends.
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) – State-specific data on influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 trends.
- https://cdphe.colorado.gov/disease-data
- San Francisco Chronicle – Reporting on the severe flu season and hospitalizations across California.
- “Our hospital is full to the brim”: California overwhelmed by severe flu season
- New York Post – Overview of flu, RSV, COVID-19, and other respiratory viruses affecting the U.S.
- https://nypost.com/2025/02/12/health/what-to-know-about-the-viruses-fueling-illness-across-the-us/
- CDC Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness Report – Current estimates of flu vaccine effectiveness.
- CDC Guidance on Influenza Antiviral Medications – Information on effectiveness and recommendations for antiviral use.