Families have new weapons against winter viruses this year. The arsenal includes the 2024-25 updated COVID-19 vaccine, an updated flu vaccine, a new at-home test that detects both flu and COVID-19, and the return of free rapid COVID-19 tests from the government.

Particularly if you tend not to have vaccine side effects, getting routine shots in one go may be a convenient option.

Among babies 6 months and younger hospitalized for COVID, 90% of their mothers weren't vaccinated during pregnancy, leaving them vulnerable to severe infection.

Respiratory virus season is arriving, once again, and the La Plata County Public Health Department is urging residents to avail themselves of immunizations available at low- or no-cost. The

Infections caused by the latest variant have symptoms including fever, chills, fatigue, cough, congestion and headache.

Last year, the CDC's report had estimated vaccine effectiveness in South America was 51.9% against hospitalization among at-risk groups. A study by the same group looking at data from 2013 to 2017 estimated effectiveness was around 43% for fully vaccinated young children and 41% for older adults.

In addition to vaccinations, Shah emphasizes the importance of avoiding gatherings when you do not feel well and shares an anecdote about his family's plan to stay healthy.