{"id":12138,"date":"2024-11-20T16:05:53","date_gmt":"2024-11-20T21:05:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/?page_id=12138"},"modified":"2024-11-20T16:05:53","modified_gmt":"2024-11-20T21:05:53","slug":"pass-the-stuffing-not-the-flu-this-thanksgiving","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/public-relations-contacts\/archived-news-releases\/2024-regional-news-releases\/pass-the-stuffing-not-the-flu-this-thanksgiving\/","title":{"rendered":"Pass the Stuffing, Not the Flu This Thanksgiving"},"content":{"rendered":"

November 20, 2024
\nMedia Contact:<\/strong> Kristy Fowler, 804-461-8093, kristy.fowler@vdh.virginia.gov<\/p>\n

Pass the Stuffing, Not the Flu This Thanksgiving<\/strong>
\n<\/strong>Health Officials Encourage Vaccinating Against Respiratory Illnesses
\nBefore Gathering with Family and Friends<\/em><\/p>\n

Chesterfield, Va. \u2013 <\/strong>Turkey, stuffing, and family gatherings are on the horizon \u2013 and so are respiratory viruses like COVID-19, flu, and RSV. The Chesterfield Health District reminds residents that getting vaccinated now could help keep you and your loved ones healthy throughout the holiday season.<\/p>\n

\u201cStaying up to date on your vaccinations is one of the best ways to prevent severe respiratory illness,\u201d says Alexander Samuel, M.D. \u201cIf you haven\u2019t already been vaccinated against respiratory illnesses like flu, COVID-19 and RSV this season, do it as soon as possible ahead of the holidays.\u201d<\/p>\n

Health officials recommend everyone 6 months or older get vaccinated against COVID-19 and flu. If you haven’t gotten the RSV vaccine and are 60-74 years old with a health condition, speak with your healthcare provider about whether the RSV vaccine is the right choice for you. Pregnant women and parents of newborns should also talk with their provider about the benefits of the RSV vaccine.<\/p>\n

Other prevention steps people can take to stay healthy include:<\/p>\n