This holiday season, Bay Area authorities are calling for action in the face of an increase in circulating respiratory viruses such as COVID, along with high levels of influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which are straining health care systems and affecting families.
The good news is that there are easy actions everyone can take to stay healthy this season, so the Bay Area's 12 health officers recommend taking a few steps.
Get vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19
For at least two years, the benefits of vaccinating against the SARS-CoV-2 virus that led the entire world to closures and, above all, to millions of human losses, have been tirelessly repeated.
There are currently boosters of the vaccine that help in a better way, since they are focused on the omicron variant, as well as the original 2019 virus.
Also known as bivalent boosters, these are available to everyone six months and older. These improved vaccines are the best protection against severe COVID symptoms and hospitalization.
Early in the pandemic, COVID vaccination rates in the Bay Area were high, shielding some communities from the worst outcomes. The protection of this vaccine has diminished over time, but a COVID omicron booster can rebuild it.
However, in most of the Bay Area, less than half of eligible people have received the updated omicron COVID booster.
Notably, more people in the Bay Area are getting the flu this year than ever before in the pandemic. Influenza is not the same as the common cold and can cause sudden and severe illness in the very young, the elderly, and those with underlying medical conditions.
So now is the time to get your flu shot, too. Both the flu vaccine and the Omicron COVID booster can be obtained at the same visit.
Although it is true that there is no vaccine for RSV? Respiratory Syncytial Virus?, there are simple measures such as washing your hands regularly and covering your mouth when coughing that can help.
Stay home if you are sick.
No matter what virus you have, if you feel sick, the best way to avoid infecting others is to stay home until you've recovered. If you think it might be COVID, get tested.
People who need urgent or emergency medical care, including testing or treatment for influenza or COVID, should seek it. Wear a mask in indoor public places.
Remember that masks can prevent the transmission of COVID, Influenza, RSV and other respiratory viruses at the same time. Wearing a high-quality mask like a KN94, KN95, or N95, can keep you from getting sick and missing out on life, work, school, and the holidays.
Also, masks reduce the chance that you will spread an infection if you are already sick, even if your symptoms are mild. This helps protect the people around you, especially those who are at higher risk of serious illness.
Improve indoor ventilation by turning on HVAC systems, filtering the air with a portable HEPA filter, pointing fans toward open windows, or opening doors and windows when possible. All of these can help prevent viruses from spreading indoors.
Get tested before an indoor gathering or if you feel sick
Getting tested is no less important. You can reduce the chances of infecting another person with COVID by finding out if you have the virus before meeting others. Remember, COVID symptoms can be mild or absent.
Get treatment, if needed
Free treatments are available if you test positive for COVID. Free medications avoid hospitalization and are available to most adults and some teens with even mild symptoms.
Talk to your doctor about treatment options or visit www.covid19.ca.gov/treatment or find a test location to treat near you: aspr.hhs.gov/TestToTreat. Treatments work best when started immediately after symptoms start and within 5 days of symptom onset.
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