Respiratory virus season has arrived in New Mexico, and residents should get a flu shot now rather than wait for cases to climb, a UNM Hospital physician says, UNM Health Sciences reports.
“Now’s the time to get the flu vaccine to protect you for the entire flu season,” said Dr. Meghan Brett, an infectious-disease physician and hospital epidemiologist at UNM Hospital. A shot in October protects through the end of flu season in March or April. Brett recommends it for everyone 6 months and older, especially people with underlying health conditions, and said it can cut the risk of hospitalization by 30% to 40%.
Vaccines are available at health care providers and pharmacies without a prescription, and the state Department of Health has an online map of locations. Brett advises getting vaccinated even later in the season, and even after having the flu, because several strains circulate at once.
People with fever, cough or a runny nose should get tested, especially if they have heart, kidney or liver disease, because flu and COVID-19 are treated differently. “People can die from the flu,” Brett said. She also recommends COVID-19 shots, which can be given with the flu vaccine, and RSV vaccines for pregnant people, adults 50 and older and people with underlying conditions.
Related Stories
Why It Matters
Vaccination and early testing help reduce severe illness and keep people out of the hospital.
