Protect Your Lungs
If you have sensitive lungs, protect yourself from pneumonia (chills, fever, cough).
Put on a mask in crowded places when colds and coughs are circulating in the community.
Get vaccinated against influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID19, pneumococcus and whooping cough (pertussis). See the contraindications table to the right. Click to enlarge.
There are various brands of vaccines available. Some are more effective for older adults, such as high dose or adjuvanted influenza vaccines. Prevnar first, followed by Pneumovax is more effective to prevent pneumococcus. It’s best to consult with your pharmacist or healthcare provider to determine which vaccines would be most effective for you.
Protect Yourself During Flu Season
Even if you're vaccinated, you can still get infected if exposed to a lot of germs.
Ask your pharmacist about no-cost, over-the-counter COVID-19 and influenza/COVID-19 combo at-home tests.
If you do get infected, consult your pharmacist or healthcare provider about Tamiflu for treating influenza and Paxlovid for treating COVID-19. Even a short course of Paxlovid can be beneficial.
If you have allergies, itchy nose, itchy throat and cough, you may need anti-histamine tablet, allergy spray into your nose (for example Flonase), inhaled albuterol and inhaled corticosteroid. Ask your provider.