Winter bugs are back, but health officials say prevention still works

WASHINGTON — Southeast Iowa has entered the heart of winter illness season, with influenza and strep infections climbing sharply in recent weeks even as COVID-19 activity remains low, according to Washington County health officials.

Influenza is currently at high levels in Washington County, along with elevated cases of strep throat, Washington County Hospitals and Clinics reported Dec. 21. COVID-19 remains low in the area, and no cases of respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, have been reported.

“This week, influenza A and B are at high levels, and Strep cases are also high in our area,” Washington County Hospitals and Clinics said.

Health officials say the seasonal rise is not unexpected. Cold weather, holiday travel and more time spent indoors increase opportunities for viruses and bacteria to spread, particularly among families, schools and workplaces.

Local illness data shows a steady escalation throughout December. On Dec. 7, COVID-19, influenza A and B, and RSV were all at moderate levels, while strep infections were already substantial.

By mid-December, influenza activity had intensified further. On Dec. 14, both influenza A and B reached substantial levels.

“This week, influenza A and B activity is substantial, and Strep cases are high in our area,” the hospital system said. “COVID levels are low, and there are no reported cases of RSV at this time.”

As flu and strep activity increase heading into the holidays, health providers urged residents to take illness seriously and to act early when symptoms appear.

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“We encourage everyone to take extra precautions — wash hands often, avoid close contact when sick, and seek care if symptoms develop,” Washington County Hospitals and Clinics said. “Early testing and treatment can help prevent further spread.”

It is not too late in the season to get a flu vaccine, either.

While health care providers recommend receiving a flu vaccination in October, this is not a deadline. As seen from national trends and WCHC’s weekly updates, the flu has only recently begun to hit full-swing.

According to the CDC, flu activity often peaks between December and February, and vaccination in December or later can still reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization and complications. Even when flu viruses are already circulating, vaccination provides protection for the remainder of the season and helps reduce strain on health care systems.

Washington County Public Health continues to emphasize basic prevention measures as the most effective defense during winter illness season.

“Simple steps like washing hands often, cleaning high-touch surfaces, and staying home when sick help protect everyone,” the department said.

Those recommendations align with national public health guidance that highlights hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette and limiting contact while ill as key tools to reduce community spread.

Health officials also encourage everyone to consider the broader impacts of winter on overall well-being. Reduced daylight, cold temperatures and limited social interaction can contribute to fatigue, low mood and seasonal depression, sometimes referred to as the winter blues.

WCPH recently shared guidance focused on supporting mental health during winter, including getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, doing enjoyable activities, taking care of the body and using light therapy when appropriate.

National health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health and the American Heart Association, report that regular physical activity supports both mental and physical health year-round. They note that outdoor activity, even during colder months, can help improve mood, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, support heart health and promote better sleep.

Experts say winter outdoor activity does not need to be strenuous to provide benefits. Simple activities such as walking, spending time in natural light or engaging in light exercise outdoors can help counteract the sedentary habits that often increase during colder months. Exposure to daylight also plays a role in regulating sleep cycles and energy levels.

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Health professionals recommend taking appropriate precautions when spending time outdoors in winter, including dressing in layers, protecting hands and feet from cold and avoiding prolonged exposure during extreme weather conditions.

With the National Weather Services predicting highs of 45 degrees on Christmas Eve and 50 degrees Christmas Day, this holiday week could be optimal for getting in some time outdoors.

As winter continues, health officials urge residents to remain vigilant, balance illness prevention with mental well-being and take advantage of safe opportunities to stay active, including spending time outdoors when conditions allow.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com