MEDICAL ADVICE

Be Mindful of COVID This Holiday Season

by DR. JOY JACKSON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. Joy Jackson, an internal medicine physician, serves the community as director of the Florida department of Health in Polk County (DOH-Polk). For more information about DOHPolk, visit mypolkhealth.org. Follow DOH-Polk on Twitter at twitter.com/ FLHealthPolk. As we enter the holiday season, it is important that we keep health at the forefront this year. With COVID-19 still prevalent in Polk County and across the state and country, we want to encourage residents to remain mindful of keeping themselves and their loved ones safe and healthy. Do not forget to take the necessary steps to prioritize your health this holiday season. There is nothing joyous about getting sick over the holidays. This is one gift you don’t want to share this season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided recommended guidelines for staying safe and healthy this holiday season. Recommendations include: • Limit travel this holiday season. • Limit in-person holiday celebrations to those who live in your own household.

Consider celebrating virtually with those who live outside the home. • Shop online for the holidays rather than in person as much as possible.

• Host holiday gatherings outdoors rather than indoor to help reduce spread. • Wear masks when going out in public. • Practice social distance as much as possible. • Continue to wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. • Clean and disinfect surfaces regularly. • Stay home if you are sick or not feeling well. It is also an important time of year to prioritize getting a flu vaccine. According to the CDC, the flu and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses. They both can cause mild to severe illness and some serious outcomes can result in hospitalization or death. While there is currently not a vaccine widely available for COVID-19, there is a flu vaccine. Protect yourself and your loved ones today by getting your flu vaccine to reduce your risks for illness. The flu vaccine is recommended for all individuals 6 months of age and older on a yearly basis. It is safe and effective and remains a person’s best defense against getting the flu. Those who prioritize getting the flu shot early helps decrease their risk of getting the flu. The flu shot is widely available in many locations including doctor’s offices, clinics, pharmacies, schools as well as the health department. While it may be tempting not to take the flu seriously, influenza remains a leading cause of vaccinepreventable deaths in the United States. Make a choice to start the holiday season off right by practicing good health behaviors. Don’t let COVID-19 or seasonal illnesses take the fun out of the holidays. Be proactive and take these simple steps to minimize the risk of getting sick this season. For more information on the CDC’s recommended guidance for the holidays, visit cdc.gov/coronavirus.

HN