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Stay Healthy for the Holidays: Get Vaccinated & Follow Holiday Safety Tips
November 26, 2024 in News, Public Health
As the holiday season approaches, it’s more important than ever to prioritize your health and the health of those around you. With both flu season and COVID-19 cases expected to rise during the colder months, experts are encouraging everyone to take proactive steps to reduce the spread of these viruses. By protecting yourself with both the annual flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine, you can enjoy a healthy and safe holiday season.
Why do vaccines matter? Both the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are essential tools in the fight to prevent illness and reduce the severity of symptoms. These vaccines help protect not only the individual but also the community, especially the most vulnerable populations.
What can you do to avoid illness during the holidays? Here are some simple steps to help reduce the spread of the flu and COVID-19 during holiday gatherings:
- Get Vaccinated: Ensure everyone in your family is vaccinated against both the flu and COVID-19 before gathering with others.*
- Wash Hands Often: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating and after coughing or sneezing.
- Stay Home If Sick: If you’re feeling unwell, stay home to avoid spreading illness to others.
- Cover Your Cough: Always cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
- Maintain Social Distance: In crowded areas or indoor settings, try to maintain physical distance to reduce exposure to germs.
- Stay Hydrated & Rested: Getting enough sleep and staying hydrated can help boost your immune system, keeping you healthy throughout the holidays.
Celebrate the holidays with peace of mind, knowing that you’ve taken steps to reduce your risk of illness. If you have any questions about these vaccines, contact your primary healthcare provider or Delaware County Public Health at 563-927-7551. Additional helpful resources are available at cdc.gov/flu or https://www.cdc.gov/covid/index.html.
*When should I get vaccinated? The earlier you get vaccinated, the better. It’s recommended to get your flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine as early as possible to provide full protection.
- Get Your Flu Shot & COVID-19 Vaccine Early: Aim to get vaccinated before flu season fully kicks in—ideally by the end of October.
- It Takes 2 Weeks: Both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines take about two weeks to provide full protection, so make sure you plan ahead.