Phoenix-area health experts encouraging vaccinations ahead of holiday gatherings

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — With the holidays right around the corner, local medical experts say now is the best time to get vaccinated for the flu and other viruses before gathering with your family.

According to ValleyWise Health's Emergency Department, it's essential for people to get vaccinated now because officials have already seen a record number of flu cases this year.

In September alone, its emergency room saw a 200% increase in flu cases, and Dr. Frank LoVecchio says this flu strain has been spreading quickly.

"Usually the flu typically peaks November, December and can peak as late as February. So we think this is a more vigorous flu season," he explained.

If you have plans with family and friends this holiday season and haven't been vaccinated yet, Dr. LoVecchio encourages people to get vaccinated now. The vaccine takes a week to ten days to fully activate in your system.

Dr. LoVecchio also said cases of Pertussis, better known as whooping cough, have been on the rise recently and is encouraging your family to get vaccinated for that.

"This is the greatest number of whooping cough cases that we've seen in this short of time period. You can get a Pertussis vaccine, and usually, it's combined with tetanus, so you should get a tetanus vaccine every ten years. But look for the capital 'P' when you get a tetanus vaccine or update, and that would suggest that you're also getting Pertussis in it," he explained.

Flu, COVID-19, RSV, and Pertussis are all available right now. Dr. Lovecchio said being vaccinated for one or multiple viruses before holiday gatherings is important, especially if you fall under the following categories.

"You should be getting your flu vaccine, particularly if you are high risk. Older, younger, pregnant, had any sort of medical problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease etc. Those patients are more at risk to die from getting the flu," he said.

If you start to feel flu symptoms before your holiday gathering, such as fever, cough, congestion, etc., Dr. Lovecchio says it's best to stay home and recover to protect your loved ones this holiday season.