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Tips to Help Protect You and Your Family This Holiday Season
The holidays bring opportunities to celebrate special traditions and meaningful moments with the people in our lives. However, this is also the season of sharing germs and viruses that could potentially put you or your family’s health at risk, like COVID-19, influenza (flu) and other respiratory illnesses, that tend to thrive in colder weather this time of year.
The good news? Flu and COVID-19 vaccines, as well as boosters are widely available, accessible, and effective at lowering your risk of hospitalization and even transmission of these viruses. Vaccines can make it much safer for you, your family, and friends to celebrate happily and healthy this holiday season.
So, as you prepare for the upcoming holiday events, make plans to help keep safe during this special season with these key tips:
Get your COVID-19 booster. The COVID-19 booster is the most effective method to increase your protection against the Coronavirus and reduce the risk of severe infection and hospitalization. It is now available to those 5 years and older.
Get your influenza (flu) vaccine. If you are not vaccinated for influenza yet, get that vaccine as soon as possible.
*It is safe to get both the COVID-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine at the same time.
Unfortunately, there is no vaccine to protect against the common cold, but it is encouraged that you and your family stay up to date on other vaccinations in order to further reduce the chance of becoming sick.
Wear a mask when appropriate. It is recommended individuals should wear a mask over the nose and mouth in high-traffic areas or locations with a high infection rate, and when around individuals who are unvaccinated and/or immunocompromised.
Wash your hands thoroughly. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds when you can. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer to clean your hands.
Stay home if you are sick. No matter your illness, stay home and postpone your travel and visits until you are well.
Take proper precautions. It can be hard to recognize who is sick and who is not sometimes, so taking the proper precautions can reduce your risk of infection. It is also beneficial to disinfect surfaces that are regularly touched, such as doorknobs, light-switches, remote controls, keyboards, and phones.
At SIHF Healthcare, we want you and your family to live happy and healthy. Our medical providers encourage you to come in and see us, ask questions, and spend some time learning what vaccines are best for protecting your health. Click here to learn more about COVID and Flu vaccines we offer. And if you are not currently a patient of SIHF Healthcare, click here for a list of our 30+ locations to find one near you.