As we transition from the summer heat to the cool autumn breeze, Eskenazi Health encourages everyone to also prepare for the illnesses that come with the cool by making sure they are up to date on their annual vaccines, including ones for flu and COVID-19.
Since early July, the United States has experienced what is called the “hot COVID summer,” according to the American Medical Association weekly COVID hospitalizations have risen approximately 21 percent across the country. With the surge of COVID, this could naturally spark concern while we enter into respiratory virus season. At Eskenazi Health and as a physician, it is essential for patients to be aware of the risks we face this upcoming season and what can be done to protect yourself and your community.
While the weather begins to cool down, people will start to stay indoors, allowing viruses and other illnesses to pass easily from one another. Also, the cold, dry air tends to weaken resistance. Many cannot tell the difference between flu and COVID-19 by the symptoms alone, especially due to these illnesses’ symptoms appearing similarly. Flu and COVID-19 symptoms include the following; fever or chills, cough, fatigue, body aches and more that can lead to various serious symptoms that can lead to hospitalization or death.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages everyone affected by either illness to get tested to ensure the diagnosis. In late September 2023, the Biden administration announced the continuation of free at-home COVID tests. This offer will include four free test kits that will be offered through the end of 2023.
The CDC says the following are categorized as high-risk groups; older adults, the immunocompromised and those with medical conditions including pregnancy and asthma. COVID-19 variants have the potential to affect anyone causing symptoms ranging from mild to severe, understanding the risk of this illness helps one make informed decisions about one’s health and protect those in their community.
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are now available, including a reworked COVIOD-19 vaccine. Please schedule an appointment to get these vaccines this fall.
Although one may experience tiredness, muscle pain, and redness or swelling at the injection site with the COVID-19 vaccine, vaccines serve as an essential component to protection against illnesses. Vaccines help build the bodies’ immunity to prevent severe symptoms from occurring.
Indiana Department of Health continues to urge Hoosiers to take precautions against the latest uptick in COVID-19 cases and other seasonal illnesses by limiting exposure, considering wearing masks, especially for the immunocompromised, washing hands frequently, staying at home if you’re sick, and receiving the flu and COVID-19 vaccine.
Eskenazi Health will be providing free COVID-19 vaccines and boosters for people 12 years or older at all Eskenazi Health pharmacy locations. Children as young as 6 months and anyone older can be vaccinated or boosted at all Eskenazi Health Center primary care locations. If you’re not sure how to make plans to protect yourself against COVID-19, go to any Eskenazi Health Center location to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
For more information, for more information on these vaccines, please call 317.880.7666 or visit EskenaziHealth.edu/Vaccines. To request free at-home COVID-19 tests visit COVID.gov/tests.
Nydia Nunez-Estrada, M.D.,
Family medicine specialist with Eskenazi Health Center Forest Manor