Protect yourself and others during the cold season

News

As the colder months approach in Europe, respiratory infections including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections, COVID-19, pneumococcal disease and others can lead to serious illness and increase the burden on healthcare services throughout Europe.

ECDC highlights the importance of vaccination in reducing the risk of severe illness. Simple precautions, including good hygiene and other preventive measures, can further help limit the transmission of respiratory infections. This is particularly important for all those who are in close or constant contact with people who have weakened immune systems.

Influenza

Each winter, influenza affects millions of people across Europe and leads to hundreds of thousands of hospital admissions and tens of thousands of deaths. Vaccination is especially important for those most likely to develop complications, including young children, older adults, pregnant women and people living with certain chronic conditions.

RSV

RSV is estimated to account for around 250,000 hospitalisations among children and 160,000 among older adults in Europe annually.  It is important to immunise infants, and vaccination against RSV is also available for older adults to protect them from severe disease.

COVID-19

COVID-19 remains in circulation throughout the year. The risk of severe disease is higher for older people and those with certain underlying conditions or weakened immune systems, and these groups can benefit from vaccination.

Pneumococcal disease

Infection with pneumococcal bacteria can result in serious illness, including pneumonia and other severe complications. Children, older adults and people with underlying health conditions are particularly vulnerable. National childhood vaccination programmes provide a vaccination for children, while older adults and other groups at a higher risk can be protected through vaccination in line with national recommendations. 

How can you protect yourself and others?

  • Stay up to date with vaccinations. Consult national guidance on immunisation against influenza, COVID-19, RSV and pneumococcal disease.
  • Maintain good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
  • Avoid exposing others when you are sick. Staying at home while ill helps prevent infections from spreading.
  • Keep indoor air fresh. Ventilate enclosed spaces regularly to help reduce the transmission of respiratory viruses.
  • Talk to your healthcare provider. Pregnant women, older adults and people with chronic health conditions, as well as parents of newborns and young children, should check with their healthcare provider on the best ways to prevent respiratory infections and reduce the risk of severe illness for themselves and their families.

Who is most at risk?

The likelihood of developing severe illness from respiratory infections is higher among young children, older adults, pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems and those living with certain chronic conditions. 

Healthcare professionals are also essential to protecting patients who are particularly vulnerable to infection. Keeping vaccinations up to date in accordance with national recommendations helps healthcare workers protect themselves, safeguard their patients and limit the spread of infections in healthcare settings.

Read more