Sponsored by: San Ysidro Health Viruses are expected to spread widely this season. Between spending more time indoors, large gatherings and crowded traveling, people are more likely to spread and catch respiratory viruses. That’s why it’s so important to make an action plan to protect yourself. The team from San Ysidro Health, Edgar Diaz Pardo and Daniel Ramirez join our Laura Cavanaugh to talk steps we can take right now to stay healthy this season. It’s that time of year again, when the seasonal cold and flu season comes around. “As always happens during the winter season, we are seeing an increase in the cases of flu and Covid,” said Edgar Diaz Pardo, Director of Research at San Ysidro Health. “Protecting yourself, getting vaccinated, you’re not only protecting yourself, but also protecting those that live around you and those that you’re going to gather with this holiday season.” The elderly, those who are 65 and older, are at higher risk of getting a severe case of flu or Covid. That is why San Ysidro Health recommends giving good health a shot by getting your flu vaccination and Covid booster. “When you protect yourself when you vaccinate, you’re also protecting all these families, all the people that are around you. Just think it’s not only about you. It’s about the people that you love,” said Diaz Pardo. The CDC recommends that anyone over the age of 6 months gets the annual flu vaccination. If you don’t know the status of your vaccination for flu or Covid, consult your primary care provider. “We want to make sure that as we are about to gather with our family, with our loved ones, that we give that vaccination enough time to really build up protection,” said Daniel Ramirez, Research Manager at San Ysidro Health. “We know it takes a couple weeks. So we really want to make sure that you get the vaccination now in order to have that protection.” As we head into the holiday season, it’s also important to practice healthy hygiene habits, things like washing hands frequently, avoiding touching your eyes, cleaning surfaces. If you are feeling sick, use a mask or stay indoors so you’re not spreading your illness to others. Since 1969 San Ysidro Health has been providing high quality, compassionate and affordable healthcare services for the entire family. San Ysidro Health is hosting free pop-up vaccination events throughout the month to keep you, your loved ones and the entire community healthy. If you are insured or uninsured, or even if you are not a patient of San Ysidro Health, you are welcome. There is equal access for all. Follow @sanysidrohealth on Facebook and Instagram to find out where and when the vaccination events that are happening this month. During your time of need, San Ysidro Health is here for you. With 50 program sites and clinic locations across San Diego County, it’s easier than ever to give good health a shot today. To find a San Ysidro Health clinic near you and to learn more about the services available, visit www.syhealth.org