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Lynchburg Reporter

Friday, November 22, 2024

Be Prepared This Season: COVID-19, Flu and RSV

In music theory, triplets instruct musicians to play three notes within the time it takes to play two notes.

And this year, instead of hearing the two notes of COVID-19 and the flu simultaneously for a "twindemic" interlude, we're facing what people have coined a "tripledemic" of COVID-19, influenza (the flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in the U.S.

So, what can you do to protect yourself and your loved ones during this viral season? Here are some tips to guide you through the COVID-19, flu and RSV season.

Tip 1: Get vaccinated or boosted for COVID-19 and the flu.

If you're eligible, vaccines for COVID-19 and the flu may help better protect you from getting seriously sick. The CDC recommends that people 6 months or older complete their primary series vaccines for COVID-19. Boosters are available for eligible people who are 5 years or older. If you're moderately or severely immunocompromised, you may have an increased risk of severe COVID-19 illness. Your vaccine recommendations are separate to make sure you get the level of protection you need to stay safe.

All people 6 months and older should get their annual flu vaccine, according to the CDC. If you do get the flu, it's more likely that you won't be as sick when compared to someone who didn't get their flu vaccine. It's estimated that 105,000 flu-related hospitalizations were avoided during the 2019 to 2020 flu season in the U.S. thanks to flu vaccines.

Because there is no vaccine for RSV, the CDC recommends practicing good personal hygiene, including washing hands for at least 20 seconds and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.

Tip 2: Stock up now for sickness later.

When you feel sick, the last thing you want to have to do is make a trip to the pharmacy for the essentials you need to feel better and recover. Also, a trip could increase the possibility of spreading infection to others. Check your medicine cabinet ahead of time to see if you have get-better supplies on hand, including:

  • Over-the-counter pain or fever relievers
  • Thermometer to spot fevers quickly
  • Lozenges to soothe sore throats
  • Oral rehydration solution, like Pedialyte, to stay hydrated
  • Rapid tests, like BinaxNOW if you are in the U.S. or Panbio COVID-19 Antigen Self-Test if you are outside the U.S., to help rule in or rule out COVID-19
  • Tissues
  • Hand sanitizer and household disinfectant

Original source can be found here.

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