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), COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), as well as bacterial infections such as pneumococcal disease, 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, RSV, and pneumococcal vaccines, depending on their 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 age 50–74 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.
COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for adults 19 and older, all children 6–23 months, children ages 2–18 based on risk, and pregnant women at any time during pregnancy.
Guard Against Pneumococcal Disease
Pneumococcal disease is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae. It spreads through coughing and sneezing and can affect people of all ages, but young children (especially under the age of 2) and older adults 50 and older (especially those over 65 years) are at the highest risk for serious illness and death.
Types of pneumococcal disease include pneumonia, meningitis, bloodstream infections, and middle ear and sinus infections.
Many people, especially children, can carry the bacteria in their nose or throat without ever feeling sick or having symptoms. A carrier can spread the bacteria to others. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent disease.
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.
