CDC (Centers for Disease Control) has reported that respiratory illnesses have increased in the USA over the past two months. Surveillance shows that Influenza-like illnesses (ILI) have recently peaked at 7.76% of all outpatient visits (Baseline is usually 1-2%) and has been above the epidemic threshold for about 10 weeks. So far, this seasonal increase in respiratory illnesses is consistent with expected increases during the cold, darker winter months. Most states are showing increased activity of respiratory infections at this time. Overall, seasonal influenza activity is rated as very high, RSV is very Moderate, and COVID-19 is low but increasing.
It is a great time to remember ways to prevent common winter infections such as common colds, influenza, COVID-19, and RSV. Respiratory infections primarily spread when people cough and sneeze in the open and respiratory droplets float in the air and are inhaled or in contact with other people. You can prevent particles in the air by sneezing or coughing into a tissue or into a sleeve. Also, isolating yourself away from other people is an important prevention strategy.
Particles can also transmit from surfaces, so if you sneeze in your hand, then open a door you can leave behind viral particles on door handles or other surfaces, that can be transmitted to others. Because we do care, let us prevent infection to others through prevention of respiratory droplets from forming into the air, or on surfaces.
What are the best supplements to improve immunity?
Your immune system needs certain vitamins and minerals to work properly. Herbal supplements, probiotics and other dietary supplements might also have support your immune system. Some good choices are as follows:
- Vitamins and Minerals including vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D3, E, and K, as well as folate, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, selenium and zinc.
- Herbals including Echinacea, Elderberry, Green Tea, Garlic and Ginseng
- Other supplements including Omega-3 fish oils, NAC and glutathione, probiotics, and Methylene Blue.
We all can practice prevention
It is also important for everyone to practice everyday preventive health measures to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:
If you have symptoms (ie. fever, chills, congestion, cough, fatigue, etc):
- Stay home to prevent exposing other people
- Consult your local healthcare provider to receive treatments as appropriate such as antivirals for viruses, or antibiotics for bacterial infections.
- You can also use natural remedies to shorten illness such as bone broth, vitamin D3, zinc, and hydration
- Wash your hands often to prevent transmitting particles
- You can wear a mask to reduce particle load, reducing risk to other people
- Avoid close contact with other people
- Cover your coughs and sneezes (not in hands, but tissues, or a sleeve, etc)
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces to protect others
If you do not have symptoms:
- Maintain your general health – eat a healthy low-sugar diet, take vitamin D3, exercise and maintain sleep
- Wash your hands often, avoid touching face
- Usual masking often does not protect you if you have no symptoms
- Avoid close contact with people who have symptoms
- Cover your coughs and sneezes, best to sneeze into a sleeve
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
- Adopt new ways to greet each other (ie: the elbow bump)
- Get immunized as appropriate! Vaccines are available for seasonal influenza, COVID-19, RSV, and Pneumovax
Resources:
- Weekly US Influenza Surveillance Report: Key Updates for Week 1, ending January 4, 2025 | FluView | CDC
- Respiratory Illnesses Data Channel | Respiratory Illnesses | CDC
- Coverage for Influenza, COVID-19, and RSV
- CDC COVID Data Tracker: Maps by Geographic Area
- CDC study published in JAMA
- https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/ImmuneFunction-Consumer/
Life is precious, and every day is a gift! Dr. Jerry's
Jerry Strohkorb, MD MPH FACOEM