The holidays are here! While there’s plenty to look forward to, it’s important to keep your health in mind. Whether it’s shopping, travel, parties, religious services, school pageants, or family gatherings, exposure to common winter viruses is likely. Thankfully, taking simple precautions can help ensure you stay protected. 

Read on for advice to keep you and your family healthy all season long.

Understanding Common Winter Viruses

Here are the major viruses spreading right now:

• Influenza (Flu) — The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue. The flu can lead to hospitalization, and even death, particularly in vulnerable populations like the elderly, children, and individuals with underlying health conditions.
• COVID-19 — The coronavirus remains a risk to your health. Symptoms can vary widely, from mild respiratory effects to severe distress. Vaccination is the best way to stay safe, and will help protect those around you, including individuals at high risk for severe illness. This year, the FDA has approved updated COVID-19 vaccinations to better defend against recent strains.
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus — RSV is a common respiratory virus that can cause mild, cold-like symptoms in adults and older children. However, it can lead to severe respiratory infections in infants and young children, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions. RSV can cause bronchiolitis and pneumonia, requiring hospitalization in some cases.

Boosting Your Immune System with Vaccines

Getting vaccinated against these infections is a proactive measure that benefits both individuals and the community at large. Here's why it's crucial:

• Protection for You — Vaccines provide immunity against diseases, reducing your risk of falling ill and experiencing severe complications. That means you won’t miss the best that winter has to offer.
• Protection for Others — By getting vaccinated, you contribute to herd immunity. This shields those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical conditions or age, preventing the spread of infections within the community.
• Prevent Overwhelmed Health Care Systems — Vaccination helps reduce the burden on health care systems, ensuring that hospitals have enough staff and resources to effectively treat those with life-threatening illness.  

Vaccine Eligibility

Here’s how to check which vaccines your family should get this winter:

• COVID-19 Vaccine — Anyone age six months and older should get vaccinated against the coronavirus. The 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine is available at AltaMed. Even if you’ve been vaccinated against the coronavirus previously, experts still recommend receiving this year’s vaccine for enhanced protection.
• RSV Vaccines and Immunizations — Babies under eight months and at-risk infants between eight and 24 months should receive an RSV immunization during the RSV season (October—March). Newborns should receive an RSV immunization within one week of birth if born during the RSV season. Pregnant people in their last trimester, and adults 60 and older, should ask their doctor about an RSV vaccination.
• Flu Vaccine — Anyone age six months and older should get an annual flu vaccine. 

Wash Up

The viruses are transmitted when people sneeze or cough into their hands then shake someone else’s hand or touch someone’s face. If it gets into your eyes, nose, or mouth, you run the risk of getting ill. Wash your hands as soon as you get home from running errands or seeing friends. You can also carry hand sanitizer to disinfect more frequently.

Get Rest and Eat Well

Your immune system is compromised when you’re not well-rested. It’s one of the reasons you want to sleep when you’re sick. Give yourself a break and get plenty of natural sleep to keep your body strong.

You should also eat well with plenty of lean proteins, colorful fruits, and vegetables. Limit your intake of processed meats and sugars. While there’s plenty of temptation this time of year, it’s important to have a gameplan when it comes to holiday eating.

Healthy Holidays with AltaMed

Prioritize your health and the health of those around you this winter. Vaccination is a key strategy in the fight against infectious diseases. Getting vaccinated shows you're taking an active step toward a healthier and safer season.

CDC-recommended vaccinations are available at AltaMed, most at no cost to you. Click here or call us at (888) 499-9303 to schedule an appointment.