← All articles

Flu, COVID, and RSV update: January 2025

Peak season for respiratory viruses is now (late December to January) with cases increasing around and after the holidays and continues typically through March.


What upper respiratory viruses are circulating now?

The main 3 viruses are flu, COVID, and RSV, along with the common cold which can be caused by several different viruses. The symptoms are all similar and can include coughing, congestion, sore throat, runny nose, fatigue, body aches, headaches, and fever. COVID can cause new loss of taste and smell.

This year, we’ve also seen a larger number of cases of walking pneumonia caused by a bacteria M. pneumoniae with similar symptoms to flu along with Norovirus which causes vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, fever, and body aches.


How do I know if I have COVID or the flu?

There are over the counter kits to test for COVID and flu or you can see your Tryon clinician for testing. There are anti-viral medications to help you shorten the course of your illness and/or keep you out of the hospital. Your doctor can determine if these medicines are appropriate for you. Walking pneumonia can be treated with antibiotics after being evaluated by your doctor. There are no specific treatments for the common cold, RSV, or Norovirus, but you can talk to your doctor about medicines to help you treat the symptoms.


What COVID and flu vaccines are available now?

It’s not too late for a flu vaccine or COVID vaccine for all ages. There is also a single dose RSV vaccine which is recommended for pregnant women, adults 75 and up, or adults 60-74 at higher risk. While vaccines may not completely prevent you from getting sick, they can help you from getting extremely ill or being hospitalized.

The dominant COVID variant in January 2025 nationwide is XEC followed by LP.8.1 and KP.3.1.1 which are all subvariants of Omicron. Thankfully, data suggests COVID in 2025 is a milder disease although the major risk for severe disease is age of 75 or an immunocompromised state. The risk of developing long COVID (extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, or muscle weakness for longer than 3 months after infection) has not gone and risk can be decreased by being vaccinated. While the COVID spike occurs annually around January and early fall, COVID occurs year round, so it’s never too late to get your shot. For those who may have more side effects with mRNA vaccines (like Pfizer or Moderna), Novavax is a protein-based vaccine, which is a type of vaccine that has been widely used for decades. All available vaccines are still effective against the current variants.


How to avoid illness this winter

  • Practice good hygiene, eat well, exercise, and get vaccinated.
  • Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water especially after using the bathroom, before eating, and after being around others. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.
  • Try to avoid touching your face, eyes, and mouth when possible.
  • Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces like doorknobs, phones, remote controls, and light switches.
  • Avoid sharing personal items like food, utensils, and lip balm.
  • Prioritize good daily hydration and sleep.