Respiratory disease season is upon us. Some medical experts in Alabama are stressing the importance of vaccines.
Dr. Rachel Lee, director of infectious diseases at UAB Helsink School of Medicine, said the hospital has seen an increase in COVID-19 cases over the past few months compared to last year.
“More than 200 people have died from COVID-19 in Alabama in the past three months,” Dr. Lee said.
Respiratory disease season typically begins in earnest in December, but medical experts say preparations start now.
The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older receive the latest coronavirus and influenza vaccines. The respiratory syncytial virus vaccine is recommended for pregnant women and people over 60 years of age.
Dr. Lee says vaccine hesitancy is intensifying in Alabama.
“Unfortunately, vaccine hesitancy continues. Last year alone, only about 13.4% of adults in Alabama received an up-to-date COVID-19 vaccine; Although the rates were high, fewer than half of all adults in Alabama received the influenza vaccine, Dr. Lee said.
Controlling the spread of these viruses is the main goal for medical professionals this season. People are encouraged to wash their hands frequently, stay home when sick and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as dizziness, chest pain or difficulty breathing.
To protect your home, surfaces should be cleaned more frequently. Bacteria can survive longer in cold weather.
Click here to learn how to book your vaccination.
