As the holiday season approaches, healthcare professionals are highlighting the importance of receiving both flu and COVID-19 vaccinations before participating in any holiday travels or gatherings. Dr. Michelle Barron, UCHealth’s senior medical director of infection prevention and control, has indicated that we are currently in the thick of the respiratory virus season, which encompasses a spectrum of illnesses varying from common colds to more severe conditions.
History dictates that this peak virus timeline triggers an increase in hospitalizations due to respiratory infections. Data from Monday reports that across UCHealth hospitals in Colorado, there are 75 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and that of those, 28 are located in northern Colorado hospitals. With this increasing trend, Barron urges the public to take measures to safeguard their health as well as that of others. If an individual has not yet been vaccinated, it is advised to do so promptly, as it takes approximately two weeks for the maximum effect of these vaccines to take effect. This timing would align to yield protection in time for the December holidays. The modern monovalent COVID-19 vaccine includes the new Omicron XBB.1.5 strain.
According to Brian Leonard, a family medicine specialist with Intermountain Health, this strain will fortify immunity against current virus variants. To significantly decrease chances of contracting the virus, the CDC also endorses flu vaccination for everyone aged six months and older. The yearly revamped flu vaccine offers protection against four separate strains of the virus, including a new strain identified this year. To help prevent Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Barron also recommends vaccination for those aged 60 and older and for individuals between 32 to 36 weeks pregnant. Alongside vaccines, people who are feeling unwell should stay home to prevent further transmission of viruses. In crowded indoor arenas, it’s advised to frequently wash hands and maintain mask usage, especially for those with compromised immunity.
Additional preventive measures include seeking tests for flu and COVID-19 when ill, continuing with vaccines and regular medications for children and adults, particularly those with chronic ailments like diabetes. In addition to these precautions, revisions in UCHealth visitor policies have now limited the number of visitors per day and implemented restrictions in high-risk areas due to the current rise in respiratory illnesses.