Dr. Mustafa Hirji says he expects cases of COVID-19, the flu and other respiratory illnesses to be higher this year than last year.
Cold and flu season is here, and Niagara's top doctor is offering some tips to help prevent you from getting sick.
Dr. Mustafa Hirji says he expects to see a jump in COVID-19, the flu and other respiratory illnesses than last year.
"I think we're going to see more of all infections this year," he says. "Last year, everybody was wearing masks, we were isolating people for longer periods of time if they were sick, and we were keeping out physical distance from others." That really made sure influenza was almost non-existent, most other cold viruses were almost non-existent, and COVID-19 was very low. Obviously, we're in a different point in the pandemic now. We're back to our usual activities and we're not doing the things to prevent these infections from spreading."
Hirji says there is a lot of concern among health care professionals about rising hospitalizations involving COVID-19, the flu and other respiratory illnesses.
He advises you to mask up in public and get vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu in order to prevent the spreading of such viruses.
He says if you have already had COVID-19, while you can get a booster as soon as you test negative, but you'll have stronger immunity if you wait three to six months afterward.
He also notes that you can get a COVID vaccine and a flu shot at the same time.
You can hear the full interview with Dr. Hirji below.
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