6 Tips to Stay Healthy this Season

Want to protect yourself from deadly diseases? Don’t wait for warning signs. Stay up to date on your health screenings and immunizations.

Stay healthy this season


Fall and winter are full of fun with holidays, sports, outdoor activities, and family gatherings. Whatever is on your bucket list for this season, don’t miss out by getting sick! The public health pros at the Utah Department of Health and Human Services offer 6 tips for staying healthy:

Get your flu shot

Flu vaccination prevents illnesses, medical visits, hospitalizations, and deaths. It can also reduce the severity of illness if you do get sick. 

You can find flu vaccines at most doctor’s offices and clinics, pharmacies, or even your local health department. Find a flu vaccine near you here:

Get your updated COVID-19 booster shot

The COVID-19 vaccines reduce your risk of illness, especially severe illness, and can reduce the risk of long-term complications. The updated booster doses work against the original virus and Omicron variants. Adults and children older than 5 are eligible for the updated booster. Learn more here: 

Stay home if you’re sick

One of the most important reasons to stay home when you’re sick is to prevent others from getting sick. What feels like a mild illness to you might have more serious outcomes for others. Staying home also gives you a chance to rest and recover so you can jump back into your routine with renewed energy.

  • If it’s a cold or the flu, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever goes away. But remember, symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to a cold or flu. To be safe, we recommend you get tested for COVID-19 if you do have any cold or flu-like symptoms. You can find COVID-19 testing locations here.
  • If it’s COVID, brush up on isolation guidelines here.

Wash your hands

Washing hands can keep you healthy and prevent the spread of disease and infections. Go here for tips on key times to wash your hands.

Stay up-to-date on your health screenings and wellness checks

Your body doesn’t always give alerts to health problems. It’s important to get a wellness checkup every year because many health conditions don’t cause symptoms until they’re serious.

Most serious health conditions and diseases can be prevented or are easier to treat if you catch them early. Your doctor or healthcare provider can also tell you what immunizations you or your child needs to get caught up on at a wellness checkup.

And remember, wellness checks are for kids AND adults!

Check here for health screening and immunization recommendations, based on your age:

Keep a healthy lifestyle

When we take care of our bodies in general – eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep, exercising and being physically active – our bodies are better able to fight off germs. This time of year can be stressful, so be sure to take care of your mental health as well. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider for ideas on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.


Dr. Scott Woller describes why immunizations are not only important for children, but adults as well.
Ever wondered what happens at a wellness check? Dr. Meagan Engelen gives a rundown of what to expect.