RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Health experts say October is the best time to get ahead of respiratory virus, especially in children, with the winter months fast approaching.
Dr. Mandy Cohen, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, noted that the nation saw about 800,000 hospitalizations between COVID-19, Influenza and RSV last year, adding that vaccines cut a person’s risk in half.
“October is the best time to get those updated flu and COVID shots,” Dr. Cohen said. “And if you’re over 75, an RSV vaccine as well, we know these viruses continue to change and we want the best protection we can get.”
Dr. Cohen told 8News there are additional preventative measures people can take.
“You want to make sure you’re staying home when you’re sick [and} please don’t share your germs with others, and make sure you’re testing yourself so you know what you have,” Dr. Cohen said. “We have treatment for COVID and for flu, but you need to know what you have so you can get those potentially life-saving treatments.”