Families have new weapons against winter viruses this year. The arsenal includes the 2024-25 updated COVID-19 vaccine, an updated flu vaccine, a new at-home test that detects both flu and COVID-19, and the return of free rapid COVID-19 tests from the government.

Infections caused by the latest variant have symptoms including fever, chills, fatigue, cough, congestion and headache.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has launched a new way for Americans to look up how high or low levels of viruses like COVID-19 and flu are in their local area for 2024.

RSV rates can be expected to increase, and flu, as well as other common viruses. Human metapneumovirus tends to peak in February and March, Roberts said, as do non-COVID coronaviruses. Parainfluenza also tends to “hit in the winter,” he said.

COVID-19 and flu vaccination campaign is expected to start within days but the Department of Health has yet to announce its plans.

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"The vaccines have arrived. And so if you if you do one thing this week or this weekend, try to take a minute to schedule time to go get you and your family, your vaccines," Shah said.