As families and friends across the United States prepare to gather for seasonal celebrations, public health officials are urging extra care to prevent the spread of winter respiratory illnesses that circulate widely during holiday gatherings. Experts say that traditional festivities, which often bring people together indoors for prolonged periods, create ideal conditions for viruses such as influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) to spread from person to person.

Respiratory virus activity typically rises in the colder months, a pattern confirmed by surveillance data that show flu, COVID-19 and RSV circulating at elevated levels in many regions. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that recent seasons have seen high hospitalization rates and significant numbers of severe outcomes from these viruses, particularly among young children and older adults. At least 1 million people were hospitalized and more than 70,000 died from respiratory virus infections in the previous season, underscoring the substantial impact of winter respiratory illnesses on public health.

For older adults especially, the introduction of an RSV vaccine for individuals aged 60 and older provides an additional preventive tool this year, according to health guidance from clinicians. Because RSV can cause serious respiratory illness in older adults and young children, the availability of a vaccine represents an important new layer of protection for those at higher risk.

Even with vaccination, gathering with family and friends can still pose risks. Officials recommend basic hygiene practices that have long been recognized as effective in preventing the spread of contagious diseases. Infection preventionists remind holiday hosts and guests to wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer when handwashing is not possible. Covering coughs and sneezes and avoiding touching one’s face are simple but important habits that help reduce the transmission of viruses.

Another key consideration is the condition of indoor spaces where people gather. Increasing ventilation by opening windows when weather permits, running fans, or using air filtration systems can help reduce the concentration of airborne viral particles. Indoor heating during the winter, while essential for comfort, can also dry the air and allow viruses to linger longer in the environment, making airflow and filtration important factors in reducing transmission.

Testing for COVID-19 and influenza before attending large family events may also help reduce spread. Rapid tests, while not perfect, can identify many infectious cases and allow individuals to make informed decisions about whether to attend an event. Experts note that some respiratory viruses can be contagious even before symptoms appear, which makes testing a useful preventive practice during peak illness seasons.

Tailoring these preventive measures to protect the most vulnerable members of a household is especially important for communities of color and populations that experience health disparities. Historical inequities in access to healthcare, chronic disease prevalence, and vaccination coverage mean that respiratory infections can have disproportionate impacts on these communities. Public health campaigns emphasize culturally appropriate outreach and improved access to vaccines and testing to help bridge these gaps.

For families planning holiday meals and travel, the emphasis is on thoughtful preparation rather than avoidance of tradition. Understanding the risks and adopting precautions allows people to celebrate while minimizing the chance of illness. These actions include updating vaccinations well before gatherings, practicing good hygiene, improving ventilation, and staying home when sick, all of which contribute to safer holiday interactions.

As winter activity for respiratory viruses continues across the country, health officials stress that combining multiple preventive strategies provides the best protection for individuals and communities alike. By taking these steps, families can focus on the joy of seasonal traditions while reducing the health risks associated with winter gatherings.