Health experts raise awareness for flu ahead of fall and winter

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)-With Colder Days ahead and family gatherings for Thanksgiving,  Health Experts are raising awareness about COVID-19 and the Flu. 

 “Getting into the winter season, like December to February, around that time and we are also getting really excited to gather and come together for the holidays. So you can imagine that the risk of something like that spreading can go up,” said Dr Rebecca Stern, Vanderbilt Medical Center.

 According to the CDC, From October to November Urgent care visits increased as Folks were sick with flu-like symptoms. 

 Dr Rebecca Stern with Vanderbilt Medical Center, believes the best way to fight these illnesses is vaccinations. 

 “Last year in Tennessee, there were only 16% of Tennesseans who got vaccinated for COVID and a bit better for flu, about 44% but still less than half. So I am optimistic that we can do better,” said Dr. Stern. 

 Symptoms of COVID -19 can include Fever or chills, Cough, and Shortness of breath 

 Flu symptoms can include Runny nose, Headaches, and Fatigue

 Dr. Stern shares tips to keep yourself safe during the cold season. 

 “Make sure that you’re doing hand hygiene, so washing your hands or using an alcohol based hand sanitizer, making sure that if you can, you open the windows if you are in a crowded public space, masking can be helpful, especially if you are going to be around some family or friends who are elderly, immune compromised, things like that,” Dr. Stern concluded.