The holidays are a time for family, friends, and celebrating. And, even though this isn’t 2020, the effects of the pandemic are still being felt and have definitely made things different. For example, many people are choosing to stay home to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Even if you’re staying home, you can still take steps to protect your health and the health of those you love and care about. Two of the best ways to do that include getting vaccinated and also getting tested whenever you’ve been exposed to a virus or feel sick.
Covid-19 Vaccines
There are currently two vaccines available to combat COVID-19 and they are made by Pfizer and Moderna. Both vaccines are effective at minimizing the effects of the virus. The CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccines for everyone ages 6 months and older, and boosters for everyone ages 5 years and older if eligible. COVID-19 vaccines available for children include Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. An important note: if you’re planning on traveling this holiday season, it’s recommended that you are vaccinated at least two weeks in advance to increase your protection.
The Flu Shot
Flu shots are also important this time of year. While the flu and COVID-19 are both respiratory illnesses, they are caused by different viruses. That means that even if you’ve been vaccinated for COVID-19, you can still get the flu. A flu shot will help protect you from the flu and prevent you from spreading it to others. It’s especially important to get a flu shot if you’re 65 years of age or older, or if you have a chronic medical condition like heart disease or diabetes.
Don’t Forget To Get Tested
If you’re planning on getting together with people outside of your immediate household this holiday season, it’s also a good idea to get tested for COVID-19 beforehand. That way, you can be sure that you’re not unknowingly spreading the virus to others. There are two types of tests available: diagnostic tests and antibody tests. A diagnostic test will tell you if you currently have COVID-19. An antibody test will tell you if you’ve had COVID-19 in the past. Both types of tests are widely available and the results are returned quickly.
A Happy Holiday Season
If you’re planning on celebrating with people outside of your immediate household, make sure to take precautions like getting vaccinated and getting tested beforehand. By taking these simple steps, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones from getting sick this holiday season.