SHREVEPORT, La. ( KTAL/KMSS )— Fall is here, and so is the season for respiratory infections. The CDC is urging everyone to get up to date on vaccines to minimize the side effects and potential hospitalizations.
Dr. Nirav D. Shah, Principal Deputy Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , said there were about 800,000 hospitalizations for COVID, RSV, and influenza in 2023, and they would like to see that number lowered this year.
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“The vaccines have arrived. And so if you if you do one thing this week or this weekend, try to take a minute to schedule time to go get you and your family, your vaccines,” Shah said.
Shah said that a common thread in the number of those hospitalized last year was that 95 percent were unvaccinated.
In addition to vaccinations, Shah emphasizes the importance of avoiding gatherings when you do not feel well and shares an anecdote about his family’s plan to stay healthy.