There's still time to protect against flu and COVID-19 this holiday season

[ad_1] The vacations deliver extra indoor gatherings and elevated travels, which suggests viruses are likely to unfold extra simply. For those who’re gearing as much as journey or anticipating spending time with family and friends, there’s nonetheless time to get your vaccines.

Getting vaccinated isn’t nearly defending your self—it’s about safeguarding these round you, particularly weak teams just like the aged, younger kids and pregnant ladies. Flu season historically begins in October and sometimes peaks between December and February, making now an excellent time to get vaccinated earlier than the vacations. By getting vaccinated now, you’re taking a proactive step in defending your self and others.

<img src="https://dhmgblog.dignityhealth.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Dr.%20Herrick.jpg?width=101&height=128&name=Dr.%20Herrick.jpg" width="101" height="128" loading="lazy" alt="Dr. Kevin Herrick" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 101px; float: left; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px;" srcset="https://dhmgblog.dignityhealth.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Dr.%20Herrick.jpg?width=51&height=64&name=Dr.%20Herrick.jpg 51w, https://dhmgblog.dignityhealth.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Dr.%20Herrick.jpg?width=101&height=128&name=Dr.%20Herrick.jpg 101w, https://dhmgblog.dignityhealth.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Dr.%20Herrick.jpg?width=152&height=192&name=Dr.%20Herrick.jpg 152w, https://dhmgblog.dignityhealth.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Dr.%20Herrick.jpg?width=202&height=256&name=Dr.%20Herrick.jpg 202w, https://dhmgblog.dignityhealth.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Dr.%20Herrick.jpg?width=253&height=320&name=Dr.%20Herrick.jpg 253w, https://dhmgblog.dignityhealth.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Dr.%20Herrick.jpg?width=303&height=384&name=Dr.%20Herrick.jpg 303w" sizes="(max-width: 101px) 100vw, 101px"/>Kevin Herrick, MD with Dignity Well being Medical Group – Dominican affords important tricks to preserve you and your family members wholesome this flu season. Under, you will discover skilled recommendation on the most recent vaccinations, learn how to acknowledge signs and differentiate between COVID-19 and the flu, and efficient preventive measures to fight these seasonal diseases.

Most individuals ought to get the flu vaccine. Everybody aged 6 months and older—with a couple of uncommon exceptions—ought to get the flu shot yearly. The vaccine not solely helps forestall you from getting sick, however if you happen to do catch the flu, it could scale back the severity of your signs and the chance of issues.

The CDC additionally recommends that everybody 6 months and older obtain an up to date COVID-19 vaccine for the 2024-2025 season to counter the continuing dangers of COVID-19 and fight new and prevalent variants, no matter their vaccination historical past. Because the COVID-19 virus continues to evolve, the effectiveness of earlier vaccines diminishes over time. The up to date vaccine helps the immune system defend in opposition to variants presently resulting in nearly all of infections throughout the U.S. The vaccine takes only a few minutes, however the safety it affords lasts all season lengthy.

How will you inform if in case you have the flu or COVID-19? It may be tough to inform their signs aside since their signs overlap considerably — starting from fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, and physique aches. Experiencing a change in or lack of style or scent is extra frequent with COVID-19. The one method to precisely inform the distinction between the 2 is with a take a look at, which may even let you understand how lengthy you possibly can anticipate to be contagious for and learn how to handle your sickness.

What else can I do to maintain myself and my household secure? Prioritizing each the flu and up to date COVID-19 vaccines is your greatest protection in opposition to sickness this fall and winter. Alongside vaccination, it is important to include day by day preventive measures. These embody avoiding shut contact with those that are sick, staying residence in case you are unwell, protecting your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and sustaining good hand hygiene by repeatedly washing your palms with cleaning soap and water or utilizing an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Moreover, sporting masks in crowded locations and guaranteeing that indoor areas are well-ventilated can additional scale back the chance of contracting the flu and different respiratory viruses.

Key Takeaways There's nonetheless time to guard your self and your family members from flu and COVID-19. To guard your self and others, make sure to:

Get each the flu and up to date COVID-19 vaccines as quickly as attainable. Get examined for COVID-19 if you happen to’re experiencing signs, as many respiratory viruses have a tendency to look equally. Observe good hand hygiene, keep residence in case you are feeling unwell, and keep away from shut contact with those that are sick.

Whereas some antiviral medicines may help battle the flu and COVID-19, vaccination and wholesome habits are your greatest line of protection. Schedule your annual flu shot and get the up to date COVID-19 vaccine to guard your self and your family members. For those who're 60 or older, communicate along with your Dignity Well being Medical Group supplier about whether or not the RSV vaccine is suitable for you.