Stay Safe this Season - COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in the United States have been decreasing for the past few months, but that decline has slowed in recent weeks. Meanwhile, cold and flu season is off to an earlier start than usual, with respiratory viruses like flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) on the rise, especially among children. The combination of COVID-19, flu, and RSV could continue to stress the healthcare system this fall and winter.

As people start to travel and gather for the holidays, it’s vitally important that we protect ourselves and others from COVID-19 and all respiratory viruses. You can do this through masking, testing, and other layered prevention measures such as improving ventilation and spending time outdoors. You can also use COVID-19 Community Levels to help you make an informed decision about what steps to take. Children ages 6 months to 4 years should get a flu shot and complete their COVID-19 primary series. Everyone ages 5 years and older should get a flu shot and an updated booster. You can get a flu shot and a booster at the same time if you want. Check if and when to get COVID-19 boosters with CDC’s COVID-19 booster tool.

To make an appointment to get a COVID-19 primary series vaccination, a booster, or a flu shot, visit the Macomb County online vaccination scheduler.

Flu and Older Adults  - Up to 70% of flu hospitalizations happen among adults 65 years and older. A flu shot is the best protection against the flu's potentially serious complications. If available, older adults should get one of three preferred flu vaccines (Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent, Flublok Quadrivalent, or Fluad Quadrivalent). Learn more: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/65over.htm. To make an appointment for a flu vaccination for an older adult, or anyone that is eligible for a flu vaccination, visit the Macomb County online vaccination scheduler.

COVID-19 Treatments and Medications - If you test positive for COVID-19 and are more likely to get very sick, treatments are available that can reduce your chances of hospitalization and death.

People who are more likely to get very sick include older adults (ages 50 years or more, with risk increasing with age), people who are unvaccinated, and people with certain medical conditions, such as chronic lung disease, heart disease, or a weakened immune system.

Medications to treat COVID-19 must be prescribed by a healthcare provider and started as soon as possible after diagnosis to be effective. The Treatment Locator (hhs.gov) can help you find a location that offers testing and treatment or a pharmacy where you can fill your prescription.