How to avoid catching the flu this fall

As the temperatures drop and families spend more time indoors, doctors are urging people to wash their hands and get a flu vaccination.

Transcript

00:00 The colorful leaves and cooler temperatures are not the only changes we see with fall.

00:06 It's the season where viruses and illness can spread quickly between people spending

00:11 more time together indoors.

00:14 The more people who are immunized, the lower rates of flu we'll have.

00:17 Researchers take cues from influenza reports in the southern hemisphere where winter is

00:22 just ending.

00:24 Australia saw above average flu cases.

00:27 Doctors say we could see more flu activity here in the U.S., especially with fewer people

00:33 wearing masks and face coverings.

00:36 That's what I expect to see this year is more of what we saw pre-pandemic.

00:42 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports high flu activity in New York City

00:47 and Washington, D.C.

00:50 Doctors say the best step to prevent catching the flu is getting the vaccine.

00:55 Patients should get it, especially the ones that are six months to age two because they

00:59 are at higher risk for more serious disease.

01:03 Get to the basics.

01:04 Good hand hygiene.

01:06 If you're sick, stay home.

01:09 If you have to get out, wear a mask if you have any of these symptoms.

01:13 For AccuWeather, I'm Bill Waddell.

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