{"id":38603,"date":"2025-10-23T18:04:02","date_gmt":"2025-10-23T18:04:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vosa.tv\/eng\/?p=38603"},"modified":"2025-10-23T18:04:02","modified_gmt":"2025-10-23T18:04:02","slug":"op-ed-the-healthiest-thing-you-can-do-this-fall","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vosa.tv\/eng\/archives\/38603","title":{"rendered":"Op-Ed: The healthiest thing you can do this fall"},"content":{"rendered":"

Staying healthy during the fall and winter can feel like a challenge. With conflicting information from the federal government this year, many parents are confused: \u201cShould I or my child be vaccinated for the flu, COVID-19, and RSV?\u201d \u201cWhat symptoms should I watch out for, and how are they treated?\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Make no mistake, COVID-19, flu, and RSV can lead to severe illness and even death.<\/p>\n

For example, last year\u2019s influenza season had the highest number of pediatric deaths reported (280) in the U.S. in 15 years. Of those, 89 percent had not received a flu vaccine.<\/p>\n

As New York City\u2019s doctor, it\u2019s my job to provide you with the best, most up-to-date information. So, let\u2019s start with the basics.<\/p>\n

What to expect this season:<\/p>\n

Three of the most common viruses in the fall and winter are COVID-19, the flu, and RSV.<\/p>\n

These viruses mainly spread by droplets that enter the air when someone who is sick coughs, sneezes, or talks. People become sick if infected droplets, mucus, or saliva enter the eyes, nose, or mouth.<\/p>\n

Protect Yourself and Your Family<\/p>\n

The number one action you can take to protect your health this season is to get vaccinated. Vaccines reduce your chance of becoming very sick, being hospitalized and dying from COVID-19, flu, and RSV.<\/p>\n

Vaccines for these viruses are safe for you and your families. The good news is you can get the flu and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time. You do not <\/em>need a prescription. If you qualify for the RSV vaccine, you can get all three vaccines at the same time.<\/p>\n

Those at the highest risk of getting very sick from these viruses are older adults, young children, and people with certain underlying medical conditions, like chronic heart or lung disease or diabetes.<\/p>\n

Everyone ages 6 months and older should get an updated 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine and an updated 2025-2026 flu vaccine, even if they have received these vaccines or had these illnesses before.<\/p>\n

Risk Of RSV for infants and older adults<\/p>\n

Adults age 75 and older should get an RSV vaccine.<\/p>\n

Adults ages 60 to 74 should get an RSV if they have certain medical conditions that put them at increased risk for severe disease or live in a long-term care facility like a nursing home.<\/p>\n

An RSV vaccine is recommended for anyone who is pregnant to protect infants in their first RSV season.\u00a0 Infants can also take medicine to prevent RSV before or during their first RSV season during the fall, winter, and spring).<\/p>\n

Unlike with the COVID-19 and flu vaccines, people who have received an RSV vaccine before are currently not recommended to get vaccinated again.<\/p>\n

NYC Health Resources<\/p>\n

To learn more about which vaccines you or your family needs, speak with your health care provider.<\/p>\n

To find a nearby COVID-19, flu, or RSV vaccination site, visit the NYC Health Map at nyc.gov\/health\/map.<\/p>\n

Many locations welcome walk-ins. We also list a number of places where you can go if you do not have insurance, or are unsure about your insurance status.<\/p>\n

If You or a loved one is sick<\/p>\n

Stay home, and take steps to protect others in your household, including wearing a well-fitting mask, staying in a separate room as much as possible, increasing ventilation, cleaning frequently touched surfaces and following good hand hygiene.<\/p>\n

Treatment options for COVID-19 and flu are available. COVID-19 and flu treatment such as oral antiviral pills reduce the risk of complications, hospitalization, and death. If you test positive for COVID-19 or flu, contact a health provider right away to see if you are eligible for treatment, as treatment works better the sooner you start.<\/p>\n

When feeling ill, it is important for adult and children to stay hydrated. Most people recover on their own or with over-the-counter medicine. Contact your child\u2019s provider if your child has:<\/p>\n