This winter marks a turning point in how Americans approach infectious diseases. Years of declining trust in public health institutions, coupled with policy shifts under the current administration, have left individuals largely responsible for their own protection against seasonal viruses. The traditional framework of coordinated public health guidance is eroding, replaced by an emphasis on personal risk assessment and localized decision-making.
The Shift Away From Collective Response
For decades, public health in the US operated on a foundation of widespread vaccination, sanitation improvements, and public awareness campaigns. Diseases like polio and smallpox were eradicated, and measles was brought under control. This success built trust in institutions like the CDC, with Gallup data showing 94% of Americans believing in the importance of childhood vaccinations as recently as two decades ago.
However, that consensus has fractured. Distrust in public health surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, fueled by misinformation and political polarization. Today, only 69% of Americans agree on the necessity of vaccinating children. Confidence in the CDC itself has plummeted from 85% in 2020 to just 50% in 2025. This erosion of trust coincides with policy changes under the current administration, which has actively undermined faith in vaccines and downplayed the role of federal guidance.
The Federal Vacuum and Rising Cases
The US Department of Health and Human Services, under current leadership, has cast doubt on vaccine efficacy and even recommended removing ingredients from flu shots despite their widespread use. Official COVID-19 vaccination recommendations have been replaced with vague calls for “individual decision-making.” Meanwhile, the flu vaccine for this year is poorly matched to circulating strains, and vaccination rates are at a six-year low. Less than 15% of US adults have received a COVID-19 booster, including only one in three seniors.
This policy vacuum coincides with a surge in preventable diseases. Measles outbreaks have resurfaced in states like Texas, where local health officials received limited federal support. Whooping cough cases are rising due to falling vaccination rates. The administration has remained silent on these outbreaks, even as Republican senators urge public affirmation of vaccine value.
A New Era of DIY Health
The result is a fragmented landscape where individuals must navigate their own risk profiles. The traditional notion of “public” health is giving way to a focus on personal health.
This means assessing your own risk factors: age, health conditions, exposure to vulnerable populations. Communicating openly with family and friends about your precautions is critical. Local health data is more valuable than ever. State dashboards and local advisories provide real-time insights into viral activity in your community.
Your primary care physician, if you have one, remains a reliable source of information. For those without a doctor, organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics offer recommended vaccination schedules for children. Private health alliances, such as the West Coast Health Alliance, provide targeted recommendations for adults.
The Bottom Line
The winter of 2025 demands a proactive approach to health. The federal government is no longer a consistent ally, and trust in institutions has eroded. Individuals must take ownership of their well-being, assess their risk, and make informed decisions based on local data. The era of public health as a collective effort has passed; this season, we are largely on our own.
