Respiratory virus season has arrived in the United States and health officials say that October is a prime time to get vaccinated.

The beginning of October officially marks the start of flu season and while there hasn’t been a large number of cases reported in central Ohio this early in the season, doctors said that doesn’t mean the flu isn’t out there.

In addition to vaccinations, Shah emphasizes the importance of avoiding gatherings when you do not feel well and shares an anecdote about his family's plan to stay healthy.

“Right now is the best time” to get all the recommended fall vaccinations, said Dr. Mandy Cohen, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as she got her flu shot Wednesday. She has an appointment for her COVID-19 shot, too. It’s “the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself, your family, your community.”

People across Somerset can now book flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccinations as the NHS rolls out additional protection for those most at risk ahead of winter. Booking is open, with over 10,000 appointments made for the first week of the autumn/winter NHS vaccination programme in the county.

UPMC Children’s Community Pediatrics reports the flu, strep throat and hand, foot and mouth this week. At Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, pediatricians continue to see a lot of colds and upper respiratory viruses.