Tips to stop the spread of flu, COVID-19 and the common cold

While flu season in Texas doesn’t officially begin until October, flu activity and symptoms of the common cold can strike at any time. The COVID-19 virus also continues to circulate in Central Texas. As emergency care providers start to see an increase in patients with upper respiratory symptoms, it’s important to take steps now to protect yourself and your family from the spread of illness.

Healthcare experts at the Level II Trauma Center at St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center recommend early vaccination for protection against the flu and COVID-19, as well as key prevention methods to avoid getting sick this fall.

Vaccinations — Flu and COVID-19

The best way to avoid contracting the flu, as well as reduce the severity of symptoms if you get it, is to get a flu vaccine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an annual flu vaccine is recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older. September and October are the ideal months to get vaccinated, but vaccines can still provide some level of protection even after that. Schedule a time to get your flu vaccine by visiting your primary care physician or a St. David’s CareNow Urgent Care location.

For COVID-19 booster vaccines, if it’s been more than six months since a previous booster was administered, make plans to get this season’s booster vaccine for increased protection against existing and new variants of the COVID-19 virus.

Safety measures to stay healthy

The best ways to slow the spread of the common cold and flu are washing your hands thoroughly and frequently, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and staying home if you feel sick. Also, be sure to clean commonly used areas such as doorknobs, keyboards and handles. Keep hand sanitizer handy and easily accessible as well.

It's important to reserve emergency departments for patients with emergent medical conditions. Parents should access the most appropriate site of care for 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 are having trouble breathing or have some other type of emergent condition, they should visit an emergency department.

St. David’s CareNow Urgent Care clinics offer quick care for non-emergent illnesses and injuries, such as coughing, sore throats and flu-like symptoms, as well as physicals, vaccinations, general diagnostics and check-ups.

Getting your annual flu vaccine, understanding the symptoms of illness, and practicing these safety measures will help keep you and your family healthy this season.

Dr. Will Davis is the medical director of the emergency department at St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center.