We Can Do It: Stop the Spread of Contagious Respiratory Illnesses

Patient Portal

This 2021-2022 flu season, we want to remind everyone to take essential steps to protect yourselves and your loved ones against contagious respiratory illnesses. Similar to last year, not only are we facing the spread of the flu virus and other contagious illnesses like the common cold and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), but we’re also battling surges of COVID-19’s Delta variant.

Vaccines like the flu vaccine as well as the COVID-19 vaccine are our best defense against these illnesses. They are extremely effective in reducing symptom severity and protecting yourself and those around you. Harbin Clinic encourages everyone over six months of age to get a flu vaccine, and everyone 5 years of age and older to get the COVID-19 vaccine. It takes the whole community practicing healthy habits together to slow the spread, keep people healthy and decrease the burden on our local healthcare systems responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Vaccinations are the best way to stay well and reduce transmission rates of respiratory illnesses. Flu virus strains change from year to year, so it’s important that people get the latest flu shot at the beginning of each season,” explains Internal Medicine physician Dr. Anandita Arora.

Some individuals, such as older people, young children or those with underlying health conditions, can have serious complications from the flu and COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone over six months of age get the flu shot before the flu season begins in October and runs through March. For the COVID-19 vaccine, the CDC recommends everyone age 12 and older receive the vaccine. Those who are high-risk, and their contacts and caregivers, should prioritize receiving the flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine if not fully vaccinated already. For a full list of high-risk groups, visits the CDC’s website here.

Rolling Up Our Sleeves to Fight Illness

Harbin Clinic patients can get the flu vaccine from their primary care physician. COVID-19 vaccinations are also available at Harbin Clinic for Harbin Clinic patients and at other nearby locations throughout the region. To locate, visit: https://harbinclinic.com/covid-19-vaccine-distribution-northwest-georgia.

For those who have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, we encourage you to reach out to your primary care doctor to discuss your concerns and to watch our Fact or Fiction video series here.

Together, we can fight the spread of contagious respiratory illnesses. In addition to vaccines, there are many habits you can practice to keep yourself and others healthy this season: