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With school back in session, many are preparing for the cold and flu season to return as well. Last cold and flu season hit Michigan hard, especially in the month of January when hospitalizations were higher than usual.
This year, health experts are reminding the public about best practices to keep the spread of germs and viruses low. A primary care physician with Aspirus Health says it’s important to remember viruses are adaptable.
“You have to remember, viruses change, so having a flu shot and COVID shot every year is very important to address the changes in the viruses,” Aspirus Health Primary Care Provider Dr. Bill Johnston said.
Doctor Cara Crawford-Bartle with Marquette Medical Urgent Care says the best ways to minimize your chances of catching an illness should be familiar to most.
“It comes down to a lot of hand hygiene: washing your hands and using hand sanitizer. Soap and water should be used if there’s visible debris or dirt on the hands; otherwise, hand sanitizer can serve as a good alternative, if that’s what’s available. Covering one’s mouth in order to prevent the spread of your own germs to others can be helpful, and then minimizing contact with other sick individuals if you’re aware of that can also improve your chances of not catching an illness,” Dr. Crawford-Bartle said.
Dr. Johnston says the late-summer/early-fall months are the best time to consider getting a flu or COVID vaccine.
“It’s important to vaccinate now, during September and October, because it takes your body about two weeks to build up that immunity, and this is the time when you’re not being faced with a virus right now, and it gives your body a chance to be ready for the illness season,” Dr. Johnston said.
Dr. Crawford-Bartle says now, they’re just starting to see an increase in cases of rhinovirus, also known as the common cold.