Health Officials: Protect Against Viruses

With colder weather ahead, or in some cases already here, we’ll be spending more time indoors.  Health officials remind us that increases the opportunity for sharing respiratory diseases that regularly pop up during the indoor seasons.

“The best way to protect yourself from winter and fall viruses is to get vaccinated and protect yourself from getting severely sick or ending up in the hospital," said Julia Lothrop with the Department of Health and Human Services.  "When we get sick, we don't know how severe it's going to be, so protecting yourself early, before the surges start, is your best answer to protecting yourself. The holidays aren't times you want to be sick and avoid all the special occasions, the football games, and the things that you want to be a part of.”

What people in rural areas need to know about respiratory illnesses like flu, COVID, and RSV heading further into Fall?

“Viruses can surge during the Fall and Winter when people gather together for holiday celebrations, football games, and other activities," Lothrop said.  "We know last year alone, we had about a million-and-a-half people who were hospitalized for those viruses. So, it's important that everyone six months and older be vaccinated for flu and COVID-19. But you know, as people in rural areas are going into town for their grocery shopping or other activities, we just ask that you consider putting vaccination on your list. Put it on your grocery list so that when you go into town, you won't forget that you wanted to stop and get vaccinated and protect yourself from being hospitalized, but also so that you can enjoy your holidays and other activities and not miss opportunities to do the things that you need to do for work.”

People on Medicare, Lothrop added, should know that it covers immunizations recommended by the CDC.  She added it’s safe to get the Flu, COVID, and RSV vaccines at the same time.  Anyone with questions about vaccinations is encouraged to visit vaccines.gov.

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