With the fall season approaching, the U.S. is seeing a significant increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. With over 20,000 hospital admissions nationwide, it’s important to know what you can do to keep yourself healthy this fall.
This article will go over when to get a seasonal COVID shot and what you can do to keep yourself healthy as cases increase across the country.
Why Should I Get a Seasonal COVID Shot?
Many people wonder why they should get a COVID shot these days, especially if they’ve already had an infection or a previous vaccine.
The virus continues to rapidly change. The recent surge of the omicron variant has changed and mutated several times already. Scientists, public health experts and researchers continue to stay current on these changes, creating updated shots that help protect against the current variants.
With new variants arising, you risk getting a new COVID-19 infection. Getting a seasonal COVID vaccine can help prevent a new infection and any long-term complications.
Who Is At Risk For COVID Complications?
Everyone is susceptible to complications, but some people are at a higher risk of long-term health complications from COVID-19.
People are at higher risk for COVID complications are:
- Older adults, age 65 and older
- People with disabilities
- Pregnant people
- People who take high-dose steroids or other medications that weaken their immune system
People with certain medical conditions such as:
- Asthma
- Cancer
- Chronic lung diseases
- Heart disease
- Liver disease
- Diabetes
- Autoimmune disorders
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
If you’re in one of these high-risk groups, getting a seasonal COVID shot, practicing good hand-washing and staying away from anyone who is sick is your best protection.
What Are Benefits of COVID Vaccination?
There are many benefits of getting an updated COVID vaccination. The vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect against:
- Serious illness
- Hospitalization
- Death
Even if you’ve already had COVID-19, the seasonal shots offer added protection to help prevent reinfection or hospitalization because the updated seasonal shot will help give you immunity to the current strain. If you get an updated shot and still get COVID, you’ll likely have a very mild infection.
Along with getting an updated vaccine, there are some health habits you can create to prevent illness this fall.
Healthy Habits To Protect Against COVID-19
There are many healthy lifestyle changes you can make to help protect yourself from getting sick.
To protect yourself against COVID-19 you should:
- Wash your hands with soap and water
- Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available
- Avoid touching your eyes and mouth with unwashed hands
- Stop or reduce smoking
- Wear a mask in crowded public places
- Avoid close contact with others, especially people who are sick
- Boost your immune system with a healthy diet, including fruits and vegetables
- Stay up to date with COVID and flu shots
- Stay away from people who have COVID-19 symptoms
- Follow all recommendations if you think you’ve been exposed
These healthy habits can help protect against new infections and reduce the spread of COVID to others.
When to Get a COVID Vaccine
If you have any questions about if the COVID-19 shot is right for you, contact your healthcare provider to get all your questions answered. If getting the updated vaccine is right for you, but you’re wondering when to get a COVID shot, you can get one anytime as long as you are fully vaccinated with a primary series.
The most recent COVID shot is now available at most pharmacies. Right now is a great time to get one because we’re heading into the fall season when the spread of viruses increases.
If you’re ready for an updated COVID vaccine, contact your doctor or local pharmacy to schedule your appointment today.
Sources
Underlying Medical Conditions Associated With Higher Risk of Severe COVID
