Positive coronavirus cases are, thankfully, at a low, especially when compared to last winter. But as the cold weather fast approaches, there are a few steps you can take now to make sure you’re staying healthy, leaving you free to spend the holidays with loved ones.

Experts are warning of a bad flu season in Massachusetts after a worse-than-usual flu season has hit the southern hemisphere. There are also concerns of a “twindemic”, if Covid-19 worsens with the coming weather, but this won’t likely be as severe as last year’s circulating Omicron variant.

So how best to prepare? Health experts are recommending flu shots for everyone over 6 months old. It’s easy enough, as Walgreens, CVS and other pharmacies are already offering walk-in shots and accepting scheduled bookings.

Other tips include being smart and wary of your surroundings; if a colleague is ill and you’re able to, work from home for the day. Consider wearing a mask in crowded public spaces. And, if you are sick, do your best to avoid close contact with others.

This advice comes with the announcement of a new Covid booster. After being approved by the FDA and CDC in late August, the new bivalent boosters are specifically designed to battle the quicker-spreading Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5. While it won’t necessarily make you Covid-proof, the boosters can make the symptoms far milder and more manageable. 

If you’re traveling this autumn and winter, for business or pleasure, it’s important to keep the health and safety of yourself and others in mind. Avoid extra stress and public transportation and book a ride to the airport now with GO Boston.