We’ve all heard a lot about COVID-19 during the last couple of years. But the Flu (Influenza) is still a serious illness we should be mindful of, especially during these cooler months. Flu is a respiratory illness caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It is contagious and can cause mild to severe illness, including death.

Below are just a few things to know that will help you stay healthy during the holidays.

• Many different viruses spread more during fall and winter, including those that cause flu, COVID-19, and RSV illness. Large gatherings, crowded travel, and more time indoors can mean more viruses spreading around the holidays.
• If you do get sick, there are tests and treatments to help get you feeling better sooner.
• It is important to get all recommended vaccines, including flu, COVID-19 and RSV, as soon as possible. This is the first year that there are vaccines to protect against all three of these viruses. Vaccines help the body learn how to defend itself from disease without the danger of an infection. These vaccines have been shown to prevent severe disease and can be lifesaving. This will give you the best protection against these respiratory diseases and will also make your illness less severe if you do get sick. Remember: antibiotics do not work on viruses.
• Flu symptoms can come on suddenly.
• You can spread the flu before you have symptoms.
• Flu regularly ranks among the top 10 causes of death in the U.S.
• COVID-19 symptoms and flu symptoms are similar. Both flu and COVID-19 are contagious respiratory illnesses. However, they are caused by different viruses– and people can have both viruses at the same time.

If you are sick, stay home to avoid putting others at risk. If you have severe or worsening symptoms, call your healthcare provider.

Cover coughs and sneezes when around others to help protect them.

Masks can help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses.

Handwashing often with soap removes most germs, including respiratory viruses, from your hands. If soap and water are not available, using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can kill many germs.

One last thing: Does the flu vaccine cause the flu? No. The vaccine typically takes 2 weeks to reach full strength, however, so if someone is exposed to the flu virus during that time, they may still get sick.

The holiday season can be stressful with all the hustle and bustle, responsibilities, and obligations.

Please be sure to make time to take care of yourself!