Positive coronavirus cases in New England are much lower than they were last winter — but we’re not out of the woods yet. As autumn, and the holiday season, fast approaches, there are a few steps you can take now to make sure you stay healthy.
A worse-than-usual flu season has hit the southern hemisphere, with places like Australia and New Zealand experiencing their worst in years. Experts are warning that this bad flu season is likely to head north. Health experts also warn of a “twindemic”, so a bad flu season combined with a worsening Covid-19 variant circulating.
So how can you prepare? Flu shots for everyone over 6 months old are recommended, which people can already get a jump on as Walgreens, CVS and other pharmacies are already offering walk-in slots and accepting scheduled appointments.
Other tips include working remotely if a colleague is ill and you’re able to and consider wearing a mask in crowded public spaces. If you’re sick yourself, do your best to avoid close contact with others.
Health officials have also announced a new Covid booster, which the FDA and CDC approved in late August. The new bivalent boosters are specially designed to battle the fast-spreading Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5. And while the booster won’t make you Covid-proof, they can make the symptoms far more manageable, and reduce the risk of long Covid symptoms.
If you’re traveling this autumn and winter, it’s important to prioritise the health of yourself and others. There’s a lot to juggle — make it easier for yourself, and leave the transportation to and from the airport with Flightline.