Fall is the start of flu season. In addition to the flu, over the last few years, there has been an increase in the spread of vaccine preventable illnesses, including the rapid spread of COVID-19 and, more recently, monkeypox.

Vaccines can help protect our bodies against such diseases by imitating the infections and teaching our immune system how to fight them off in the future. Over time, our bodies build up “memory” enabling our bodies to “remember” how to fight similar infections in the future. Sometimes, after getting vaccinated, the imitation infection might cause some illness symptoms, like fever. This is normal and a sign the body is building up immunity which, typically, takes a few weeks to acquire. Because of this timeframe, it’s possible some people may contract an illness just before or just after a vaccination.

No vaccine is perfect, but they are the safest form of protection against severe infection. Sometimes, we get sick even when vaccinated, but if this happens, we are less likely to become seriously ill, since vaccines can protect us from severe illness, hospitalization, and death. They also help to protect women and babies during and after pregnancy. Getting vaccinated protects you, your family and community. This is especially important for those at higher risk of complications caused by vaccine preventable diseases, and includes those 65 years and older, people who are pregnant, and people with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.

What is the flu and how can I prepare for flu season?

Influenza, or the flu, is an upper respiratory illness caused by a virus that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. The flu is contagious and spreads through droplets from an infected person when they sneeze, cough, or talk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these droplets can travel up to 6 feet and can land in your nose or mouth. You can also pick up the virus from touching infected surfaces or objects and then touching your eyes or nose. Symptoms of the flu can include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle or body aches, and headaches. In extreme cases, influenza can lead to pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses, and may require hospitalization.

Getting a flu shot is the best way to protect yourself against the flu. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older be vaccinated. There are many free and low-cost options for receiving the flu vaccine. Once again, Montefiore has teamed up with Walgreens this year to offer free or low-cost vaccinations on these dates:

Sunday, Oct. 2, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 832 E. 166^th Street

Sunday, Oct. 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Our Lady of Angels, 2860 Sedgwick Avenue

Sunday, Oct. 23, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Simon Stock Church, 2191 Valentine Avenue

Sunday, Nov. 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 627 East 187th Street

How can I continue to protect myself from COVID-19?

The symptoms of flu are very similar to those of COVID-19, so if you are feeling unwell, you should get tested as soon as possible and start on the appropriate medication, as determined by your doctor.

If not already the case, and if you are eligible, get vaccinated for COVID-19. Even people who have had COVID-19 should get vaccinated, if eligible. If you are vaccinated, make sure to get a booster shot. The booster is designed to protect against the omicron subvariants that have been causing many of the recent infections.

We’re all set up this morning for FREE FLU SHOTS here at the St. Gabriel’s church rectory from 10am-1pm. Thank you @nyphospital for always providing for our community. If you haven’t received a flu shot yet, come swing by and be prepared for this year’s winter season! pic.twitter.com/xpTXuNQAZn

— Jeffrey Dinowitz (@JeffreyDinowitz) October 7, 2022

According to NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), it is safe to get the booster at the same time as other vaccines, so go ahead and schedule both your booster and your flu shot today!

What is MPV and how can I protect myself?

Monkeypox is an infectious disease caused by MPV. According to the CDC, the virus is part of the same family of viruses that causes smallpox, and rarely causes death. Some of the ways monkeypox has spread from person to person during the recent outbreak are through:

• direct contact with the monkeypox rash, scabs, or body fluids;
• face-to-face or sexual contact including oral, anal, and vaginal sex or other intimate contact e.g. cuddling, massages and kissing;
• touching fabrics, objects and surfaces used by a person with monkeypox which have not been disinfected.

Regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, anyone who has been in close, personal contact with someone who has monkeypox is at risk. Getting vaccinated for monkeypox is an important way to help prevent the spread of this disease. Another way is to avoid sex and other intimate contact with multiple or anonymous partners. You can also reduce your risk by changing some behaviors that may increase your exposure to monkeypox. The CDC and DOHMH provide tips you can use if you choose to have sex or other intimate contact. To learn more, visit:

• https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/prevention/sexual-health.html
• https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/monkeypox.page

While most people should get vaccinated every year, some people should stay away from certain types of vaccines, or should not be vaccinated, based on their age, health status, and whether they have certain allergies. If you have questions about which vaccine is right for you, talk to your doctor or other health care professional.

Visit https://vaccinefinder.nyc.gov/ to find flu, COVID-19 and monkeypox vaccine locations near you.

Oni Tongo M.S. is a registered dietician and program manager at the Office of Community and Population Health at Montefiore Health System.