Don't Let Seasonal Respiratory Viruses Ruin Your Fall Festivities

As the fall season arrives, it welcomes a slew of holidays and festivities, but it is also the start of the respiratory-virus season. John Mourani, MD, medical director of infectious diseases at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center (PVHMC), shares tips on how to protect yourself and loved ones during the respiratory virus season.

Flu

While influenza viruses can circulate year-round, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that flu activity typically peaks during the fall and winter months. Taking precautions during this fall and winter season is important to protect yourself and those around you.

Data from the CDC shows that last year, the U.S. had one of the worst flu seasons in decades and doctor visits for flu-like illness reached one of the highest levels seen in over 25 years.

For 2026, the California Department of Public Health began recording moderate test positivity levels for influenza starting in mid-September, indicating an earlier start to the flu season than usual.

The most common signs of flu infection include:

• Severe fatigue
• Fever
• Chills
• Body aches
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Cough

COVID-19

According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older.

Whether a respiratory illness during peak season can turn life-threatening often depends on your vaccination status and underlying health conditions that can put you at higher risk. People with weakened immune systems, older adults, young children and pregnant women face a higher risk of serious complications if they haven't been vaccinated.

"The best time to protect yourself is before you get sick," said Dr. Mourani. “Receiving the recommended fall and winter vaccines will reduce your chances of complications and help ensure you're able to enjoy the season with family and friends.”

RSV

CDPH recommends the RSV vaccine for infants younger than eight months and those who are 8-19 months with risk factors, pregnant women during 32-36 weeks of gestation, and adults ages 50-74 with risk factors and all adults 75 and older.

Pregnant Women

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has released new respiratory virus immunization guidelines for pregnant and postpartum individuals, recommending vaccination against COVID-19, RSV, and influenza. ACOG has deemed all vaccines for COVID-19, RSV, and influenza safe to use during pregnancy and can be administered at the same time without an impact on efficacy.

Important tips to stay ahead of the respiratory-virus season:

• Stay up to date on vaccinations
• Seek care early if experiencing symptoms and are at high-risk for complications
• Stay home when you are sick
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Wash hand often
• Avoid touching your face

It is highly recommended that the flu shot be taken by everyone ages 6 months and older, pregnant women, people who are ages 65 or older and those who have a weakened immune system.

"Our goal as physicians is to help people stay healthy and informed about the latest medical information," said Dr. Mourani. "Getting your flu shot early in the fall season protects not just you, but everyone around you."