Covid-19 in Winter

• Cold, dry air and indoor gatherings make it easier for COVID-19 to spread during winter.
• Prevent infection by washing hands, masking in crowded spaces, staying home when sick, and keeping surfaces clean.
• Watch for serious symptoms like trouble breathing, chest pain, or confusion—seek medical care immediately.
• If you test positive and are at higher risk, ask your doctor about antiviral treatments like Paxlovid, which must be started within 5 days.

Over the past few years, COVID-19 has become part of the seasonal landscape, much like the flu and common cold. While the virus can circulate year-round, winter conditions tend to create an environment that favors its spread.

Why Winter Increases Risk

Several factors make colder months more conducive to respiratory virus transmission, including COVID-19:

• Indoor Crowding: Cold weather drives people indoors, where ventilation is often limited. In enclosed spaces, virus particles from coughing, sneezing, or talking can linger in the air longer, increasing the chance of transmission.
• Dry Air: Winter air tends to be drier, which can irritate the nasal passages and throat. This irritation may reduce the body’s ability to trap and clear out viruses effectively.
• Virus Stability: Cooler temperatures can help viruses like SARS-CoV-2 survive longer outside the body, increasing the likelihood of infection when particles land on surfaces or remain airborne.
• Holiday Travel and Gatherings: The winter season includes holidays that bring people together from different regions. Crowded airports, classrooms, restaurants, and homes create ideal conditions for viruses to spread.

COVID-19 and Seasonal Patterns

COVID-19 does not always follow a strict seasonal pattern. Surges can occur at other times of year, often linked to the appearance of new variants (CDC). Even so, winter remains the period where the virus has the most favorable conditions. According to the CDC, COVID-19 hospitalizations typically peak in late December or January.

Common Symptoms and Warning Signs

COVID-19 symptoms vary, but common early signs include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue

Emergency Warning Signs

The CDC advises anyone to seek medical care right away for:

• Trouble breathing
• Chest pain or pressure that does not go away
• Confusion or trouble staying awake
• Lips, skin, or nails turning blue or gray

Who’s at Higher Risk?

Older adults, pregnant people, and individuals with chronic health conditions face a higher chance of serious illness. What begins as a mild case can worsen quickly. For these groups, early testing and prompt medical advice are especially important.

What Can Help During Winter to Lower Your Risk of COVID-19

Winter brings conditions that make respiratory viruses like COVID-19 easier to spread. Practicing healthy habits during this season is especially important. According to the CDC, here are effective ways to reduce your risk:

• Wash your hands often. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in public or before eating. If soap isn’t available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer works.
• Stay home if you’re sick. Even mild symptoms can pass the virus to others.
• Cover coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue or your elbow, then wash your hands right away.
• Clean shared surfaces. Phones, doorknobs, and remotes collect germs quickly.
• Use a mask in crowded indoor spaces. Masks lower risk in areas with poor ventilation such as buses, airports, or packed stores.
• Get tested if needed. Testing is useful if you have symptoms, or before contact with anyone at high risk.
• Stay up to date on vaccines. Vaccination provides strong protection against severe illness and helps against currently circulating variants.

Boosting Your Immune Health for Winter

A healthy immune system helps your body fight infection and recover more quickly if you do get sick. During winter, when viruses spread more easily, these habits matter:

• Eat balanced meals. Fruits, vegetables, and protein provide nutrients your immune system needs.
• Prioritize sleep. Most adults need 7–9 hours to support infection-fighting cells (NIH).
• Stay hydrated. Water keeps your airway tissues moist, aiding your body’s defenses.
• Manage chronic conditions. Keeping asthma, diabetes, and other conditions under control lessens the risk from infections.
• Be active. Regular movement—walking, stretching, or exercise—supports immune health.
• Manage stress. Relaxation techniques, time outdoors, deep breathing, or music help lower stress, which otherwise weakens the immune response.

When to Call Your Doctor

If you test positive for COVID-19, don’t wait to seek medical advice. Early treatment is key, especially for those at higher risk. The CDC recommends starting antiviral treatment within 5 days of symptom onset.

About Paxlovid

One option your doctor may discuss is Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir), an oral antiviral treatment recommended for people at higher risk of severe illness.

• How It Works: Taken by mouth for 5 days.
• Who Should Consider It: Adults 50+, people with chronic conditions (e.g., heart disease, diabetes, obesity), or those with weakened immune systems.
• Why Timing Matters: Paxlovid must be started within 5 days of symptom onset to be effective.

If Paxlovid isn’t suitable due to medication interactions or other health factors, other treatments like Remdesivir or Molnupiravir may be considered.