Health Care Experts Offer Tips To Stop Spread Of Flu, COVID, Colds

Although flu season in Texas doesn't officially start until October, flu activity and cold symptoms can occur at any time. The Covid-19 virus is still spreading in Central Texas. As emergency care providers begin to see an increase in patients with upper respiratory symptoms, it's important to act now to protect you and your family from spreading the disease.

Medical professionals at St. Petersburg's Level II trauma center, David Round Rock Medical Center, recommend early vaccinations to protect against the flu and Covid-19, as well as key preventative measures to avoid getting sick this fall.

Vaccinations: flu and covid-19

The best way to avoid the flu and reduce the severity of symptoms if you do get it is to get a flu shot. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an annual flu shot is recommended starting at 6 months. September and October are ideal months to vaccinate, but the vaccine may still provide some protection. Make an appointment to get a flu shot with your GP or ST. David's Care Now to view urgent care locations.

For Covid-19 booster vaccines, if more than six months have passed since the last booster, plan to get this season's booster to protect against current and emerging strains of the Covid-19 virus. COVID 19.

Safety measures to stay healthy

The best ways to reduce the spread of colds and flu are to wash your hands well and often, cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze, and stay home if you feel sick. Also, be sure to clean frequently used areas such as doorknobs, keyboards, and handles. Keep hand sanitizer handy and easily accessible.

It is important to plan emergency services for patients who have a medical emergency. Parents should find the health care facility that best suits their child's medical needs. If a child has flu-like symptoms, parents should call their doctor or take their child to an urgent care clinic. If they have trouble breathing or have another type of emergency, they should go to the emergency room.

Urgent care clinics of St. David's Care Now provides immediate care for non-urgent illnesses and injuries such as coughs, sore throats and flu, as well as physical exams, immunizations, tests and general examinations.

Getting your annual flu shot, understanding the symptoms and taking these safety precautions can help you and your family stay healthy this season.

Dr. Will Davis is the medical director of the St. Petersburg Emergency Department. David's Round Rock Medical Center.

This article originally appeared in the Austin American-Statesman: Health experts offer tips to stop the spread of flu, Covid and the flu.

Get the flu shot - stop the flu from spreading