Respiratory illnesses are on the rise in New Hampshire and likely to continue for some time, but some Granite State residents are wondering whether to get a shot to protect themselves. State epidemiologist Benjamin Chan said this is respiratory illness season, but there are ways to lower your risk of contracting illnesses, especially respiratory syncytial virus, COVID-19 and influenza. “The good news is that there are vaccinations available to protect people from infection. All three of these viruses can cause severe infection and serious illness,” Chan said. Chan said there are vaccines for all three diseases and there is still time to get vaccinated before the peak season. >>Download his free WMUR app to stay up to date. Go to: Apple | Google Play < Respiratory illnesses are on the rise in New Hampshire and likely to continue for some time, but some Granite Staters are wondering whether to get a shot to protect themselves. State epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan said it’s respiratory disease season, but there are ways to lower your risk of contracting illnesses, especially respiratory syncytial virus, COVID-19 and influenza. “The good news is that there are vaccinations that can protect people from all three of these viruses that can cause serious infections and serious illness,” Chan said. Chan said there are vaccines for all three diseases and there is still time to get vaccinated before the peak season. >> Download the free WMUR app and get updates on the go: apple | google play < But some people have mixed feelings about getting vaccinated. “You should always get your flu shot,” said resident Paul Romano. “Let’s get vaccinated because it’s everywhere.” “I don’t think they’re safe,” said Carol Gerlach, who was visiting from Wisconsin. “Yes, I understand everything,” Deborah Constant said of Nashua. “Let’s protect ourselves, because we don’t want to see epidemics like they once were again. That’s understandable. If you can get it, why don’t you get it? Do you want it?” Chan said people should talk to their health care provider about getting the shot to find out if it’s right for them and to answer any questions they may have. The latest vaccines are available for influenza and coronavirus disease (COVID-19). New vaccines have been released for RSV, but not everyone is eligible. It’s for people over 60, but there’s another vaccine for pregnant women. Separate vaccinations are available for babies under 8 months of age. “I don’t necessarily think one virus is more concerning than another,” Chan said. “All three of these viruses can cause serious illness and infection.” Chan said basic hygiene – washing your hands, covering your cough and staying home if you’re sick – can help prevent respiratory viruses this winter.
Vaccines available to protect against RSV, COVID-19, flu
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Portsmouth, New Hampshire —
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