by Dr. Christopher Lepisto
a 2-min read
Over the past few weeks, influenza seems rampant, hitting harder and spreading more quickly. In the Grand Valley, a significant number of people have been hospitalized with severe flu symptoms, mirroring national Center for Disease Control reports of increasing seasonal flu activity. While COVID-19 rates remain low and Respiratory Syncytial Virus levels are moderate, influenza stands out for both its prevalence and intensity.
When patterns like this emerge, it’s natural to ask why now?
Most people are depleted following the holidays, even if they enjoyed the fast pace. Rich foods, disrupted sleep, travel, and emotional demands can leave the body running on reserves. By the time routines resume in January, the immune system may be primed for illness.
Not everyone stays home when they are sick, and the gathering points of holiday events, schools and workplaces are ideal for breeding viruses. These settings have always played a role in the spread of illness, but their impact is greater when layered on top of post-holiday fatigue.
Even if people get through the holidays unscathed, many get sick after stress finally lets up. Much like a student who falls ill after final exams, the body holds things together during intense periods, succumbing once the pressure eases.
Beyond personal factors, some influenza strains are simply more virulent than others. The science of predicting which strains will dominate each season is imperfect, making flu vaccines unreliable for prevention, along with potentially undesirable reactions.
This is a periodic cycle we sometimes forget. If you find yourself sick more often—or are struggling to recover fully—this can be an opportunity to look more closely at what your body is telling you. Sometimes, having a thoughtful conversation after the holidays about a natural approach tailored to your body’s needs, can provide fresh insight into your lasting health.
