Last Updated: November 25, 2024
Pass the Stuffing, Not the Flu This Thanksgiving
Health Officials Encourage Vaccinating Against Respiratory Illnesses Before Gathering with Family and Friends
RICHMOND, Va. – Turkey, stuffing, and family gatherings are on the horizon – and so are respiratory viruses like COVID-19, flu, and RSV. Richmond and Henrico Health Districts remind residents that getting vaccinated now could help keep you and your loved ones healthy throughout the holiday season.
“Staying up to date on your vaccinations is one of the best ways to prevent severe respiratory illness,” says Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director Elaine Perry, M.D. “Since we don’t have vaccines against all the germs that can make us sick this time of year, it’s especially important to get the vaccines we do have, like those against flu, COVID-19 and RSV.”
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 and RSV antibodies.
Other prevention steps people can take to stay healthy include:
- Staying home when sick
- Washing your hands frequently with soap and water
- Covering coughs and sneezes
“Staying home when you are sick is one of the most powerful things you can do to protect the ones you love from respiratory illness,” said Dr. Perry. “Simple prevention steps like washing your hands frequently and covering coughs and sneezes can also go a long way.”
For more information about how to stay healthy during respiratory illness season and all year round, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov.
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Media Notes:
Respiratory illness season b-roll is available here: https://youtu.be/TyXpJGfxeSc
Clip of Virginia’s State Epidemiologist Dr. Laurie Forlano talking about how to stay healthy during respiratory illness season is available here: https://youtu.be/9o5LcxXG4gc