A holiday COVID-19 (and flu, and RSV) guide

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What the experts say about staying healthy during this year's holiday season By Jamie Ducharme Health Correspondent The holiday season brings lots of fun, festive, joyful occasions—but it can also introduce a minefield of public-health dilemmas, as months of travel, parties, and family visits throw gasoline on the fire of respiratory-disease season. So I called in a couple experts to help put together your cheat sheet for dealing with COVID-19, flu, and RSV this winter. Here’s some of what they said: If you’re not boosted already, get your shot ASAP. An updated COVID-19 booster came out in September, and it’s worth getting if you haven’t had or been vaccinated against COVID-19 recently. Get it as soon as you can, since it takes about two weeks to take full effect. Yes, you still have to isolate if you catch COVID-19. It may feel like the pandemic is behind us, but health authorities still say anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 should stay away from others—and avoid travel, gatherings, and public places—for at least five days, then stay masked up for another five. But also, remember other diseases exist. COVID-19 is still a big threat, but flu and RSV are also on the rise right now. Flu shots are recommended for almost everyone, and you can get yours at the same time as your COVID-19 booster. There’s also a newly approved RSV vaccine for elderly adults and pregnant people. READ THE REST Share This Story

What Else to Read How America Is Making Tree Equity a Climate Solution for Cities By Jad Daley Cooling cities is vital as the world heats up. Trees are a key tool. Read More » How to Set Boundaries With Relatives, According to Family Therapists By Angela Haupt Four family therapists detail how setting healthy boundaries with your family members can lead to deeper relationships. Read More » How Drug Makers Manipulate Patents to Keep Insulin Prices High By Haley Weiss Pharmaceutical companies layer on patents for drug delivery devices to maintain market exclusivity, according to a new study. Read More » How to Prepare for the Busy Thanksgiving Travel Season This Year By Solcyre Burga More than 55 million people are expected to travel in the U.S. Read More » 6 Ways to Tap Into Nostalgia—and Why You Should By Angela Haupt How to tap into nostalgia to feel more connected to other people, find meaning in life, and build self-esteem. Read More »

ONE LAST READ FROM ELSEWHERE The Medical Marijuana Generation Unsatisfied with prescription drugs for the ailments of aging, a growing number of senior citizens are turning to THC, Christina Caron writes for the New York Times. Between clubs, specialized events, and other targeted efforts, the elderly have more opportunities than ever before to discover the potential benefits of marijuana. Read More »

If you were forwarded this and want to sign up to receive it daily, click here. Today's newsletter was written by Jamie Ducharme and Haley Weiss, and edited by Elijah Wolfson.

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