Vaccines Critical for the Upcoming Fall COVID and Flu Season
Importance of Updated Vaccinations
As the fall approaches, the significance of vaccines cannot be overstated. Infectious diseases expert Dr. Nicholas Turner recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older should consider an updated COVID-19 vaccine. With three updated vaccines approved targeting the latest variants, protection against circulating viruses is optimized.
COVID Testing and Treatment Considerations
The federal government is set to provide another round of free at-home COVID tests by the month's end, enabling individuals to assess their infection status. Dr. Turner highlights two crucial questions regarding testing: Will this test change my treatment? And will it affect my interactions with others?
For those at higher risk of severe COVID infection, such as individuals over 65 or those with chronic illnesses, timely testing can facilitate access to effective treatments like Paxlovid, which is most beneficial when administered early.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.