It is the time of year when many of us are busy making plans for the holidays. As you prepare, don't forget to include COVID-19 prevention tips on your holiday to-do list.

COVID-19 is still with us and continues to make people sick. Across the US, COVID-19 hospitalizations have been on the rise for the past month. Last week alone there were over 22,000 new COVID-19 hospital admissions. In the Fairfax Health District, the COVID-19 hospital admission level is currently low. However, emergency department visits for COVID-19 have increased over the past few weeks with rates being highest among residents ages 65 and older.

Large gatherings, crowded travel, and more time indoors can mean more opportunities for viruses to spread. Here are some tips to consider and resources to keep handy this holiday season.

• Get a 2023-2024 updated COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccination gives you the best protection against COVID-19 and will also make your illness less severe if you do get sick. The protection you get from previous vaccines and infections wears off over time. Getting an updated vaccine can help protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death.

  In Fairfax Health District, only one out of every six (16.5%) residents eligible for the updated vaccine have received it. Make time to get a COVID-19 vaccine today. You can get your flu vaccine at the same appointment. Find a location near you at vaccines.gov.

• Plan your visits with health in mind. Improving ventilation and filtration where you gather can help prevent virus particles from accumulating inside, helping to protect against getting or spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. Some ways to improve indoor air include bringing in as much fresh air as possible, filtering the air, using a portable air cleaner, and turning on exhaust fans. You can also consider planning an outdoor activity where you are less likely to be infected with COVID-19.

  Consider if you are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19 or if you plan to be with someone who is. Taking steps like wearing a high-quality mask when getting together can help prevent the spread of germs. Communicating with friends and family about any health needs and encouraging each other to stay home if you get sick can also help set expectations.

  If you plan to travel, you can take steps like wearing a mask and getting tested.

• Have COVID-19 tests for when you need them. If you have any symptoms or get exposed to COVID-19, getting tested will help you know what steps you need to take next. Knowing when to test, when to repeat a test, and how to check the expiration date of a test, can help make sure you get reliable results. See more information about testing.

  Every household is again eligible to order free at-home tests, order tests at covidtests.gov. Free at-home covid-19 test kits are also available at participating libraries, find a location near you. 

• Make a plan in case you get sick. If you test positive for COVID-19 and are at high risk of getting very sick, treatments are available. These treatments reduce the chance of being hospitalized or dying, but you must start taking them within a few days of your symptoms starting. Talk to your health care provider about your treatment options. If you don’t have a provider, visit a Test to Treat location or learn more about the new telehealth Home Test to Treat program. 

• Finally, stay home if you are sick. Being with friends and family this time of year is important. But if you are sick, please stay home. Don’t take the chance of spreading COVID-19 — or any other respiratory virus — to your loved ones, especially those who are at higher risk for severe illness. If you test positive for COVID-19 follow guidance for how long to isolate, and do not travel while isolating.

For more ways to stay healthy this holiday season (like washing your hands frequently!), see Healthy Habits to Help Protect Against Respiratory Viruses.