Health guidance for upcoming COVID-19 and flu season

As respiratory illness season approaches, health experts emphasize the importance of preparation for COVID-19 and influenza. While the flu typically increases during fall and winter, COVID-19 can circulate year-round, with recent summer increases noted.

Key recommendations include identifying personal risk factors, such as age, pregnancy, or chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, and heart disease. High-risk individuals, including older adults and young children, are encouraged to consult healthcare providers regarding their specific vulnerabilities.

Timely medical intervention is critical, as antiviral treatments for both COVID-19 and the flu are most effective when administered shortly after symptoms appear. For the flu, antivirals work best within two days, while COVID-19 treatments often require initiation within five to seven days of symptom onset.