With Thanksgiving just a fortnight away, this is the ideal time to safeguard yourself against potentially dangerous autumn viruses.
According to Dr. Mandy Cohen, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, now is the optimal window to get vaccinated and protect yourself and your family for the holiday.
“We expect the circulation of more flu and COVID, so now is the perfect time for vaccination. This will allow your body to build up its defenses ahead of the holiday season,” she advised in an interview with CBS News.
Dr. Cohen received her COVID shot last month and recognized that COVID vaccine uptake in the US is sluggish.
“I understand that people want to put COVID behind them, but unfortunately it is still present and continues to make people very ill and even fatal,” she added.
The CDC anticipates the simultaneous circulation of flu, COVID, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) this season, the severity of which may depend on vaccination levels.
For RSV, which usually causes cold-like symptoms but can be severe for babies and older adults, there are protective measures available, including an immunization for infants and a vaccine for people ages 60 and up.
“Consult your healthcare provider to see if they recommend it for you,” suggested Dr. Céline Gounder, a medical contributor for CBS News.
Even if you are fully vaccinated, there are additional precautions to consider for Thanksgiving gatherings, such as staying home if you’re sick, wearing a mask in certain situations, and increasing ventilation. If feasible, consider having a meal outdoors.
“It’s really about, Who are you? What’s your personal risk? And who are you going to be around?” Cohen emphasized.
