Keeping your family healthly & Safe this holiday season

The most wonderful time of the year is just around the corner, but before you dive into your holiday planning, make sure to add this crucial detail to your to-do list: seasonal vaccinations.

Unfortunately, we know that along with the holiday season comes flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season. That is why now is the perfect time for you and your family to be proactive by getting these essential vaccinations and avoid major holiday FOMO (fear of missing out).

The Importance of Flu and RSV Vaccines

As you may know, vaccines remain one of the most effective defenses against both the flu and RSV. During the colder months, we tend to spend less time outside in fresh air and more time indoors and in close-quarters. Viruses tend to thrive in such conditions, and the holiday season—with its many gatherings—only increases their chances of spreading.

For many, the flu might seem like just a few miserable days of coughing and fever. However, it can actually lead to severe complications like pneumonia or hospitalizations, especially for those with compromised immune systems. Flu-related complications can even be fatal in extreme cases.

RSV, while often thought of as a virus that mainly affects infants, can be dangerous for children and older adults as well. In healthy adults, RSV may resemble a mild cold. But for young children, the elderly, or those with compromised immune systems, it can lead to more severe illnesses.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

Vaccination is an essential tool in preventing the spread of these viruses, and it’s recommended for people of all ages, especially those in higher-risk groups. Here’s who should make vaccination a priority:

• Infants and Young Children: Children under five, especially those younger than two, are at increased risk for complications from both flu and RSV. Annual flu shots are recommended for everyone over six months of age. Depending on the mother’s vaccination status, an RSV antibody can be given to a baby between 6 and 8 months of age and babies/toddlers between 8-19 months.
  
  
• Older Adults: Adults 60 and over are at greater risk of developing serious complications from both flu and RSV. For them, vaccination is a critical part of their health routine.
  
  
• Pregnant Women: Flu and RSV vaccinations during pregnancy not only protects the mother but also offers some protection to the newborn in the first few months of life when they are too young to receive a flu shot. The CDC recommends a maternal RSV vaccine during pregnancy (during 32-36 weeks) during September through January.
  
  
• People with Chronic Conditions: Individuals with chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, as well as those with weakened immune systems, are more vulnerable to serious respiratory infections and should prioritize vaccination. 

By getting vaccinated, you’re not only protecting yourself but also contributing to the protection of others, particularly those who can’t get vaccinated—like babies under six months old. When enough people are vaccinated, we can significantly reduce the spread of disease.

Simple Tips for Staying Healthy During the Winter

Besides vaccinations, there are practical steps you can take daily to minimize the risk of spreading respiratory infections like the flu and RSV:

• Wash Your Hands Regularly: Hand hygiene is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Make it a habit to wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds—especially after sneezing, coughing, or touching your face. When this option isn’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer instead.
  
  
• Cover Your Coughs and Sneezes: Always cough or sneeze into a tissue or the inside of your elbow, not your hand! This helps prevent respiratory droplets, which may contain viruses, from spreading to others.
  
  
• Clean and Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces: Viruses can live on surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, mobile phones, and keyboards for hours. Regularly cleaning and disinfecting these surfaces reduces the risk of viruses lingering and spreading within your home. Bonus tip: Improve your home’s air quality by using an air purifier and keep your HVAC system “on” when you have visitors.
  
  
• Avoid Close Contact with Sick Individuals: If someone in your household is sick, try to maintain a reasonable distance to prevent transmission. Avoid sharing items such as hand towels, cups, and utensils. If possible, use a separate bathroom and sleep in a different bed until they’re feeling better.
  
  
• Know the Symptoms of Flu and RSV: Common flu symptoms include fever, chills and body aches, and fatigue. RSV often causes cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, coughing, and wheezing in younger children. If symptoms persist or worsen, don’t wait– consult with your healthcare provider.
  
  
• Stay Home When You’re Sick: One of the best ways to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses is to stay home when you or someone in your family is ill. While it might be disappointing to miss out on a holiday gathering, it’s better to rest and recover than risk spreading an illness to others.

Let’s Prioritize Health This Holiday Season

Every family’s health choices contribute to the overall well-being of the community. By encouraging others to get vaccinated, practice good hygiene, and stay home when sick, we can help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses– especially during the holiday season.

Healthcare providers in our community also play a vital role in keeping everyone healthy. Many local clinics offer both flu and RSV vaccines, and some may have extended hours or special vaccination events to make it easier to get immunized before the holidays. 

If you’re unsure where to get vaccinated, reach out to your local healthcare provider or visit health centers like ours at Barbour County Health Association for guidance. 

When we all do our part, we help protect the most vulnerable among us, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the holidays in good health.