This article was printed in partnership with Walgreens
We could have gotten a late start to the colder climate, however vacation shows adorning storefronts and supermarkets are out in full power. If you’re getting along with family members, you’ve doubtless started your to-do record: what you’re cooking, the place you’re touring, what number of presents you want to purchase. But there’s one vacation essential too many people overlook—heading off respiratory sicknesses just like the flu, COVID-19, RSV, or pneumonia.
“It’s all about protecting not only yourself, but also protecting your loved ones,” says Rick Gates, Walgreens’ chief pharmacy officer. “Vaccines are proven safe and effective and continue to be the best way to protect against circulating viruses—and reduce how sick you get or feel if you do get a virus. Don’t let the flu or COVID-19 be the reason you have to miss out over the holidays.”
When Is the Best Time to Get a Flu Shot?
Misconception: If you haven’t gotten vaccinated already, it is too late.
Since flu and COVID-19 instances are low now, getting vaccinated* might not be prime of thoughts, however that is the best time to prioritize getting protected.
“When the weather gets cooler, people spend more time indoors, and that proximity can allow illnesses to spread more easily,” Gates says. “Put people into close quarters—on airplanes or at holiday parties, for example—and the chance of swapping bugs and viruses goes up.”
And there’s one more reason you don’t need to wait— it takes about two weeks after a vaccination to obtain full safety. So, getting your pictures ASAP means you’ll be extra protected by the point you’re hugging household and associates, particularly these like older of us, pregnant women, immunocompromised people, and younger youngsters.
That stated, if you happen to haven’t had an opportunity to get your flu shot, it’s not too late. That’s true even into the winter months, when these viruses proceed to flow into in our communities.
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Can You Get a Flu Shot and COVID-19 Vaccine on the Same Time?
Misconception: You want to make separate appointments.
You don’t want to make separate appointments to get these pictures. “It’s safe to get multiple vaccines at the same time, including flu, COVID-19, RSV and pneumococcal,” Gates says.
You can simply make an appointment at Walgreens.com or through the app—you possibly can even simply walk-in to your nearest retailer.
If you could have any questions or issues, your native Walgreens pharmacist may help you perceive what vaccines are best for you.
How Effective Is the Flu Shot?
Misconception: The flu shot isn’t 100% efficient, so it’s not value getting.
“The flu shot is updated annually to anticipate and protect against the most common virus strains believed to be circulating during the upcoming flu season,” Gates explains. “They’re not always a perfect match, but getting your annual flu shot goes a long way in not only protecting against the flu but also reducing the risk of severe illness if you do get sick.”
Same goes for the COVID-19 vaccine that’s being provided at Walgreens now, which is an up to date formulation that protects from the dominant strains circulating this yr.
The safety from these vaccines may be the distinction between holing up at residence for just a few days with what seems like a chilly, versus ending up within the hospital. When you’re not feeling nice, Walgreens has what you want.
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What to Do If You Feel Sick Around the Holidays?
Misconception: Testing is a problem.
“Anyone experiencing symptoms like runny nose, fever, or cough—or dealing with recent exposure to someone who’s sick—should consider getting tested at Walgreens to know with greater confidence which virus they may have, especially before traveling or gathering with loved ones this holiday season,” Gates recommends.
Testing is easy and simple; which can embody a straightforward mixture take a look at for COVID-19 and flu that’s administered on the pharmacy with ends in 30 minutes or much less**. At-home assessments may be delivered proper to your door in below an hour, together with over-the-counter necessities (assume cough medication, fever reducer, and tissues). Speak to your pharmacist in person, over the cellphone or through the chat characteristic on the Walgreens web site, and they’ll make some suggestions for managing signs.
Bottom line: Vaccines are designed to defend you from getting sick. But even if you happen to’re match and healthy, or don’t fear a lot about sickness, the perfect present you may give your mates and household is to assist defend them from respiratory sicknesses this vacation season.
*Vaccines topic to availability. State -, age – and health-related restrictions could apply.
**Available to prospects ages 3 and older. Payment due at time of service if take a look at is just not lined by insurance coverage. Test outcomes can’t be assured by a particular time.
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