The Latest Health Concerns: Respiratory Viruses and Foodborne Illness

As we move into the colder months of 2024, respiratory viruses and foodborne illnesses are becoming more prominent concerns. Here’s what you need to know about two major health issues currently making headlines: the resurgence of respiratory viruses and a nationwide listeria outbreak.

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The Return of Respiratory Viruses

The fall of 2024 brings renewed attention to respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, influenza, and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the United States has updated its guidelines to help people navigate these health risks, emphasizing vaccinations and preventive measures.

Vaccination remains the cornerstone of protection, especially for vulnerable populations like older people and immunocompromised. The CDC continues to recommend that anyone aged six months and older receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine for the fall and winter of 2024. This guidance comes after reports that some healthcare providers may reduce vaccine stock due to declining demand​.

In addition to vaccinations, maintaining good hygiene, such as regular hand washing and sanitizing frequently touched surfaces, is key to reducing the spread of these viruses. Notably, the CDC advises staying home if you’re feeling unwell and encourages practices like air purification and masking in crowded indoor spaces to protect others.

What’s new this season is a unified approach to managing the spread of multiple respiratory viruses. This updated strategy reflects changes in the way we deal with COVID-19, which is now less likely to cause severe illness for most, thanks to increased immunity and better treatments​.

The Ongoing Listeria Outbreak

While respiratory viruses are making a comeback, food safety is also a growing concern, especially with a listeria outbreak linked to deli meats. This outbreak, which began in July 2024, has led to 57 hospitalizations and nine deaths across 18 states, making it the largest listeria outbreak in the U.S. since 2011​.

Listeria is a bacterium that can survive in cold environments, meaning contaminated deli meats may still pose a risk even if refrigerated. The CDC has issued recalls for products like liverwurst, sausage, and ham, warning consumers to check their refrigerators for specific brands. Vulnerable individuals, including pregnant people, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems, are particularly at risk of severe illness from listeria​.

The good news is that heating deli meats to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) can kill listeria bacteria. Additionally, cleaning any surfaces that may have come in contact with contaminated food is crucial for preventing the spread of this hardy bacterium.

What You Can Do

With these two significant health concerns on the horizon, there are practical steps everyone can take to protect themselves and their loved ones:

1. Get Vaccinated: Whether it’s for COVID-19, the flu, or RSV, staying up to date on vaccinations is one of the most effective ways to prevent serious illness.

2. Practice Good Hygiene: Simple habits like washing hands, covering coughs, and cleaning surfaces can help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.

3. Be Cautious with Food Safety: Check your refrigerator for recalled deli meats and, if necessary, heat them before consuming. Regularly clean countertops and utensils that may have come into contact with contaminated foods.

4. Stay Home if You’re Sick: If you’re experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness, stay home and follow CDC guidelines about when it’s safe to return to normal activities​.

By staying informed and taking preventive measures, we can more effectively navigate these seasonal health challenges. Whether it’s a common cold, flu, COVID-19, or listeria, protecting our health—and the health of those around us—starts with the choices we make daily.