SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- The cooler weather and holidays are fast approaching, along with the deadlines to get vaccinated if you want the most protection from respiratory viruses. "We're currently just on the brink of respiratory virus season, and we know it happens every year," said Dr.
Yvonne Maldonado, Professor of Global Health and Infectious Diseases at Stanford Medicine. With holiday travelers soon to be hitting the roads and flying on planes, come concerns from medical professionals. "There's a lot of people getting together.
There are a lot of noses and mouths in close proximity. That means there's a lot of chance of transmission," said Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, Professor of Medicine and Infectious Disease at UCSF.
MORE: You'll have to wear a mask in certain health care settings in the Bay Area: Here's what to know Transmission of respiratory viruses like COVID, Flu and RSV are of the highest concern. But on top of other preventative measures like proper handwashing and even masking, doctors are also urging people to stay up to date with vaccinations you're eligible for. Still, even that may not be as effective in time for the holidays if you wait to the last minute to get your shots.
"Vaccines don't work immediately," said Dr. Maldonado, "They take about a week to two weeks for the person to develop full immune responses. And so that's why we always recommend for respiratory virus season that people start getting vaccinated as early as possible in the fall.
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