Winter of 2022 has hit with a fury, bringing cold and flu season along with it. Viruses that have been rare for the last three years are showing up again in massive numbers, causing a triple outbreak of COVID-19, influenza, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). This past November, we witnessed the highest rates of hospitalization for flu in a decade. As infectious disease epidemiologists and researchers, it has been our life’s work to comprehend the transmission of viruses and how to prevent them. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, ourselves and our public health partners had to rapidly pull from our years of evidence related to respiratory virus transmission to figure out a viable solution. Throughout the pandemic, researchers have determined with great confidence that the usage of face masks should be a key part of controlling respiratory viruses; places such as daycares, college housing, and group gatherings can be places where the virus can quickly spread. Moreover, a plethora of various viruses can be found in circulation. Unlike the outbreaks from Spring of 2020, the current surge of COVID-19 is not caused by a single, new virus strain. Now that face coverings and other protections have been removed, the typical cold and flu season pattern common in the U.S. is back. Each year, a range of viruses circulate and generate signs and symptoms that are alike, leading to a surge of sickness with a never-ending diversity of more than 22022 different kinds and varieties of viruses. This phenomenon is notably prevalent in young kids. Our research indicates that schools contain a multitude of viruses, and even one kid can get up to 3 viruses throughout one sickness. Although these illnesses may be minor irritations for most, respiratory viruses such as the seasonal flu can lead to the need for time off from work and school.
