The holidays bring more indoor gatherings and increased travels, which means viruses tend to spread more easily. If you’re gearing up to travel or anticipating spending time with friends and family, there’s still time to get your vaccines.

Getting vaccinated isn’t just about protecting yourself—it’s about safeguarding those around you, especially vulnerable groups like the elderly, young children and pregnant women. Flu season traditionally begins in October and typically peaks between December and February, making now an ideal time to get vaccinated before the holidays. By getting vaccinated now, you’re taking a proactive step in protecting yourself and others.

Kevin Herrick, MD with Dignity Health Medical Group – Dominican offers essential tips to keep you and your loved ones healthy this flu season. Below, you'll find expert advice on the latest vaccinations, how to recognize symptoms and differentiate between COVID-19 and the flu, and effective preventive measures to combat these seasonal illnesses.

Most people should get the flu vaccine. 
Everyone aged 6 months and older—with a few rare exceptions—should get the flu shot annually. The vaccine not only helps prevent you from getting sick, but if you do catch the flu, it can reduce the severity of your symptoms and the risk of complications.

The CDC also recommends that everyone 6 months and older receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine for the 2024-2025 season to counter the ongoing risks of COVID-19 and combat new and prevalent variants, regardless of their vaccination history. As the COVID-19 virus continues to evolve, the effectiveness of previous vaccines diminishes over time. The updated vaccine helps the immune system protect against variants currently leading to the majority of infections across the U.S. The vaccine takes just a few minutes, but the protection it offers lasts all season long. 

How can you tell if you have the flu or COVID-19? 
It can be difficult to tell their symptoms apart since their symptoms overlap significantly — ranging from fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, and body aches. Experiencing a change in or loss of taste or smell is more common with COVID-19. The only way to accurately tell the difference between the two is with a test, which will also let you know how long you can expect to be contagious for and how to manage your illness. 

What else can I do to keep myself and my family safe? 
Prioritizing both the flu and updated COVID-19 vaccines is your best defense against illness this fall and winter. Alongside vaccination, it's essential to incorporate daily preventive measures. These include avoiding close contact with those who are sick, staying home if you are unwell, covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and maintaining good hand hygiene by regularly washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Additionally, wearing masks in crowded places and ensuring that indoor spaces are well-ventilated can further reduce the risk of contracting the flu and other respiratory viruses.

Key Takeaways
There's still time to protect yourself and your loved ones from flu and COVID-19. To protect yourself and others, be sure to:

• Get both the flu and updated COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible.
• Get tested for COVID-19 if you’re experiencing symptoms, as many respiratory viruses tend to appear similarly. 
• Practice good hand hygiene, stay home if you are feeling unwell, and avoid close contact with those who are sick.

While some antiviral medications can help fight the flu and COVID-19, vaccination and healthy habits are your best line of defense. Schedule your annual flu shot and get the updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect yourself and your loved ones. If you're 60 or older, speak with your Dignity Health Medical Group provider about whether the RSV vaccine is appropriate for you.