Three ways to keep yourself healthy this Holiday season: VDH

PETERSBURG, Va. (WRIC) -- Crater Health District has shared what three little things you can do to keep yourself and your family healthy during the holiday season.

On Dec. 18, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Crater Health District shared three small things to protect yourself from COVID-19, flu and RSV. They want you to remember to wash your hands, cover your mouth when coughing and sneezing and get vaccinated.

“During the busy holiday season, small habits can make a big difference,” said Crater District Health Director Dr. Alton Hart, Jr., “Washing your hands often, covering coughs and sneezes, and getting vaccinated are three simple steps that help keep our families and communities healthy this season.”

Be sure to wash your hands for 20 to 30 seconds to prevent spreading germs. If soap and water are not available, then use hand sanitizer containing a minimum of 60% alcohol.

Wash your hands:

• After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
• Before and after cooking or eating food
• Before and after helping someone who is sick
• After petting an animal, touching animal food or animal waste

Respiratory viruses can spread through the droplets when a person coughs, sneezes and talks. To reduce the spread of germs, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. If a tissue is not available, use your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.

Anyone who is six months or older should receive a flu vaccine each year, unless there is an exception. It's important for you and your family to discuss with a healthcare provider which flu vaccines are recommended.

Everyone who is over the age of six months is allowed to get a COVID-19 vaccine based on the decision made between you and your healthcare provider.

VDH recommends that adults who are 75 years and older receive one dose of the RSV vaccine. Anyone between the ages of 60 and 74 should speak first with their healthcare provider to determine if the RSV vaccine is the right choice. Parents of newborns and pregnant women should also speak with their provider to discuss the benefits of the RSV vaccine.

Remember, if you are sick, then stay home to help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses.

More information can be found on the VDH's website here.