Protecting Your Family This Holiday Season: How to Navigate the Winter “Triple Threat”
December in the Mother Lode is about connection. It is the season for school plays, holiday parades in historic downtowns, and crowded family dinners.
But as we gather indoors to celebrate, we also face a rise in respiratory viruses. This year, health officials are urging caution regarding the “Triple Threat”: Influenza (Flu), COVID-19, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
At MACT Health, we want to see you enjoying the festivities with your loved ones, not stuck in a waiting room. Here is what you need to know to keep your family healthy this winter.
Understanding the Risks
While most healthy adults might experience these viruses as a bad cold, they can be serious, even life-threatening, for the most vulnerable members of our community.
The Flu: It is more than just a sniffle. Influenza can lead to severe complications for seniors and those with chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes.
RSV: Often thought of as a childhood illness, RSV can be dangerous for infants, but it is also a significant risk for older adults (65+).
COVID-19: Variants continue to circulate. While immunity has improved, the virus still poses a risk for the elderly and immunocompromised.
4 Simple Ways to “Stop the Spread”
You do not need to cancel your plans to stay safe. A few common-sense precautions can make a huge difference.
- Layer Your Protection (Vaccines) The single most effective way to prevent severe illness is vaccination. Updated Flu and COVID-19 shots are widely available. There are also new immunization options for RSV available for older adults and pregnant women. Ask your MACT provider if you are eligible.
- The “Stay Home” Rule In our hardworking rural culture, we often try to “power through” when we are not feeling well. Please, do not. If you have a fever, a new cough, or a runny nose, skip the gathering. Your family will thank you for keeping them safe.
- Wash Your Hands (Like You Mean It) It sounds simple, but it works. Frequent hand washing prevents germs from spreading from doorknobs and countertops to your face.
- Test Before You Guest If you are visiting a nursing home or a relative with a compromised immune system, taking a quick at-home COVID test gives everyone peace of mind.
We Are Here if You Need Us
If you do get sick, or if you need to get caught up on your vaccines, MACT Health is here to help.
We offer primary care and walk-in services across Mariposa, Amador, Alpine, Calaveras, and Tuolumne counties. Whether you need a flu shot or treatment for a persistent cough, our doors are open to the entire public.
Let us work together to keep our community healthy so we can all enjoy a happy, safe holiday season.
Resource Box
MACT Health Medical Services
We accept Medi-Cal, Medicare, and most private insurances.
Phone: 209.754.6262Â Website: www.macthealth.org
 Locations: San Andreas, Jackson, Sonora, Mariposa
