It's Never Too Late to Protect Yourself: Safeguarding Against Respiratory Viruses and Enjoying the Holiday Season
Protect yourself and loved ones this holiday season by getting vaccinated Don't wait! Experts advise taking preventive measures against respiratory viruses like the flu, Covid-19, and RSV Stay safe and healthy
It's important to get vaccinated now to ensure safety and good health during holiday gatherings and as respiratory illnesses like the flu, Covid-19, and RSV continue to rise, according to experts.
Dr. Mandy Cohen, director of the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention, emphasized the importance of taking the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your family during this holiday season in a video shared on social media. She also noted that it's not too late to get vaccinated if you haven't done so already.
A pharmacy in New York City offers vaccines for COVID-19, flu, shingles and pneumonia on December 6, 2021.
Ted Shaffrey/AP
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Vaccines take approximately two weeks to offer the best protection, meaning that getting vaccinated now will ensure you are fully protected in time for Christmas. However, the shots also provide some level of protection before and after this timeframe.
According to Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University, it is important to act quickly. "The majority of winter is still ahead of us, so it's crucial to continue protecting yourself."
Vaccination rates remain low this season, while respiratory virus transmission is significantly high. According to CDC data, weekly hospitalizations for flu, Covid-19, and RSV are increasing. In the week ending November 18, there were approximately 7 new respiratory virus admissions for every 100,000 people, marking a 35% increase from the previous month.
Covid-19 levels in wastewater, a leading gauge of viral transmission, remain high and on the rise, while flu is on the uptick across most of the US and RSV levels are elevated, according to the CDC. Additionally, outpatient visits for flu-like illness - a fever, as well as a cough or sore throat - are significantly above the national baseline. High levels are being observed in 15 states, particularly across the South.
Less than 3% of children 6 months to 4 years and 10% of children 12 to 17 have received the updated Covid-19 vaccine, according to data from the CDC.
Pascal Pochard-Casabianca/AFP/Getty Images
Low Covid-19 vaccination rates are resulting in decreased availability of doses at pediatric offices, making it difficult for some parents to find the vaccines they need. The CDC advises that individuals aged 6 months and older receive the annual flu vaccine and the updated Covid-19 shot. Additionally, a new RSV vaccine is recommended for those aged 60 and older.
Less than 40% of adults and children have received the flu vaccine this season, based on CDC estimates. The latest Covid-19 vaccine has been taken by 16% of adults and only 7% of children, while the new RSV vaccine is taken by around 15% of older adults. A November KFF survey revealed that most US adults are not concerned about contracting or spreading Covid-19 during the holidays, despite warnings from experts. The CDC anticipates a respiratory disease season similar to last year, which saw hospitals at their highest capacity since the start of the pandemic and worse than pre-pandemic years.
"We are seeing early signs that these viruses will continue to be present in our communities," stated Schaffner. "However, we can lessen their impact by taking advantage of vaccines as a population. In addition, this will alleviate the strain on our healthcare systems."
According to the CDC, it is safe to receive a flu vaccine and a Covid-19 vaccine during the same visit.
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This option may be more convenient, especially for those who have procrastinated getting vaccinated. According to the CDC, vaccines administered during the same visit should be given in separate arms or at least one inch apart. Moreover, receiving both shots at the same time does appear to increase the likelihood of experiencing a temporary reaction to the vaccines; the most common symptoms reported in a government study were fatigue, headache, and muscle pain.
Furthermore, experts recommend that people at higher risk of severe illness, such as seniors, pregnant individuals, and those with underlying medical conditions, use extra layers of protection during the respiratory virus season, in addition to getting vaccinated.
Cohen emphasized the importance of utilizing extra protective measures such as avoiding contact with sick individuals, practicing frequent handwashing, enhancing ventilation, and wearing a mask. In the event that one does become ill, Cohen urged staying home to prevent spreading germs and getting tested to receive proper treatment. CNN's Brenda Goodman made a contribution to this report.
