Stay Healthy through Cold and Flu Season

You may already know that cold and flu season is here, and hopefully not because you or a loved one is already coughing or sneezing. With this season comes a lot of questions and uncertainties: which vaccines do I qualify for? How often should I be washing my hands? What if my child starts sniffling, or spikes a fever?

Every year is different when it comes to cold and flu season. That’s why being prepared now is so important. Vaccines, proper hygiene, and knowing when to stay home can make a big difference—not just for you, but for everyone around you.

There is often a lot of uncertainty about which vaccines are right for each person, depending on their age, health risk factors, and other concerns. Here’s what our experts say:

• • The flu shot is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. If your child is under 8 and has never had a flu shot, they’ll need two doses this year. Otherwise, just one is enough.
  • For people 65 and older, there are special flu vaccines that offer more protection. If those aren’t available, any flu shot is still better than none.
  • As for COVID-19, recommendations have changed over time, but the science behind the vaccines remains strong. If you’re 65 or older or have health conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart problems, an updated COVID shot is strongly recommended.
  • If you're pregnant, a COVID vaccine is also important. It helps protect both you and your baby, especially in the third trimester when your body is more at risk.
  • There’s also an RSV vaccine. It’s now recommended for everyone 75 and older and for people 50 and older with certain health conditions.

Vaccines are just one part of staying healthy. Here are some other ways to keep your household as germ-free as possible:

• Washing your hands is still one of the easiest ways to stop the spread of germs. Remember to wash them thoroughly—and if you’re not sure how long “thoroughly” is, sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice to make sure you're washing for long enough.
• Clean high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and cell phones more often during cold and flu season, both at home and at work or school.
• If you wake up with a sore throat or a cough and you’re not sure whether it’s a cold, COVID, or the flu, stay home if you can.
• If you must go to work, wear a mask and try to keep your distance. You can take an at-home COVID and/or flu test, but testing isn’t always necessary—especially if you’re otherwise healthy and your symptoms are mild.

Unfortunately, kids get sick—a lot. And it may not be realistic to keep them home for every runny nose. But if your child has a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, they should stay home until they’re better, as that usually is a sign of a contagious illness. When in doubt, talk to your pediatric care provider.