Winter Wellness
Staying Healthy While Seasonal Viruses Surge
Download VYF’s Respiratory Season Toolkit here. Haga clic aquí para ver la campaña en español.
Respiratory viruses such as colds, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) spread more quickly in the fall and winter months.
There are a few reasons for this. We spend more time indoors and in close contact, making it easier for viruses to spread. Cold, dry air also dries out the nose’s lining, reducing its ability to trap germs. Together, these factors create the perfect environment for viruses to survive and spread.
Frequent handwashing, staying home when you or your children are sick, and keeping up to date on vaccines against seasonal illnesses can help protect your family.
of pediatric flu deaths in the 2025–2026 season were among children not fully vaccinated against influenza.
Everyone should get a seasonal flu vaccine each year, as well as Covid-19 and RSV vaccines, depending on your age and risk factors.
Seasonal Illnesses & Prevention Tools
Protect Against Flu
Every year, flu sickens tens of millions of children, adults, and newborns; hospitalizes hundreds of thousands; and causes tens of thousands of deaths. Everyone 6 months and older should get an annual flu vaccine for the best protection against circulating viruses.
Annual flu vaccination
- Protects kids by cutting hospitalization risk in half (on average)
- Shields adults 65 and older who face higher hospitalization and death rates
- Safeguards newborns through antibodies passed from vaccinated mothers during pregnancy
A flu vaccine each year keeps families healthy and protects communities.
Prevent RSV
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that usually spreads seasonally. It is most serious in infants, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems.
There are several effective new tools to prevent RSV in the groups at highest risk. All adults aged 75 and older and adults aged 60–74 with risk factors should get an RSV vaccine. Babies should also be protected either through a vaccine given during pregnancy or a monoclonal antibody given after birth.
Avoid COVID-19
COVID-19 continues to pose a serious threat, especially for people at higher risk from severe COVID-19 infection, including older adults, especially those 65 and older, people with weakened immune systems, anyone with chronic health conditions, pregnant women, and young babies under 6 months, who are too young to be vaccinated and rely on antibodies passed through maternal vaccination during pregnancy.
Updated vaccines are recommended to lower the risk of serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19.
Recent policy changes have created confusion and access challenges for those seeking an updated COVID-19 vaccine. Talk to your care provider and local pharmacy to find out what’s available.
Respiratory Season Mini-Courses
New this year: short, engaging courses offer clear, trustworthy information about COVID-19, flu, and RSV—making it easier than ever to get the answers you need, make confident health decisions, and talk with your loved ones about seasonal vaccines.
Mini-courses are part of our free online education offerings through Vaccinate Your Family University.
Everyone is talking about vaccines. It’s difficult to know what to believe or who to trust.
