This year’s flu season is predicted to be longer and more severe than we have seen in recent years. With COVID-19 infections continuing to spread, it is important as ever to protect ourselves and our loved ones against both the flu and COVID-19.

Now is the time to schedule and receive your influenza (flu) shot and updated COVID-19 booster. Based on recent infection rates around the world, experts anticipate that the U.S. will have a longer, more severe flu season than we have seen in recent years and with COVID-19 variants still causing people to become sick, it is a good idea to stay on top of the latest boosters. To help reduce infection rates and prevent negative outcomes from the flu and from COVID-19 this season, the flu shot and COVID-19 booster are highly recommended for most people.

Spring is synonymous with budding flowers, blooming trees — and for many, allergies. According to the CDC, seasonal allergies (also called hay fever and allergic rhinitis) can affect as many as 60 million people per year in the United States.

Below, Neil Parikh, MD, an allergy and immunology specialist with Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group, discusses causes of allergies, management tips and seasonal allergy trends.

COVID-19 raises many questions for those who are currently pregnant, trying to get pregnant or planning on getting pregnant in the future. Research shows that it is safe to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at any point during pregnancy, and getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent serious complications from getting COVID-19 for both mom and baby.

“We have a lot of information about the harms of getting sick with COVID-19 during pregnancy and how safe and effective the vaccines are, “says Kimberly Moreland, MD, an OB/GYN with Dignity Health Medical Group — Dominican. “Don't miss this amazing opportunity to protect yourself and your baby by staying up-to-date with your vaccines and boosters.”

Whether you have an official break from school or simply want to take advantage of warm weather, spring travel is top-of-mind for many of us. Whatever your plans, keep in mind that COVID-19 is still poses a health concern and the virus can spread easily among groups of people during travel and in places like museums, sports venues or amusement parks.

We caught up with Kelley Brinsky, DO, a family medicine and osteopathic manipulative medicine physician with Dignity Health Medical Group — Sequoia, to discuss tips for safe and healthy travel this spring.