Your Health | Mount Sinai Today

How Can a Skin Prick Test Help Me With My Allergies?

Mar 27, 2024 | Your Health

If you live with allergies, also referred to as allergic rhinitis, you know how annoying the symptoms can be. The itchiness, congestion, trickle in the throat—they can make it difficult to do the things you need, or want, to do.

It can also be difficult to determine the cause of your allergies (allergic rhinitis). For example, you could be allergic to airborne or environmental factors, such as ragweed or something in your home. Or it could be a seasonal condition. Whatever the cause, Alexandra Demeglio, a Physician Assistant in the Department of Otolaryngology at Mount Sinai Doctors – East 85th Street, says patients can get relief.

“Knowing what you are allergic to is helpful because there are ways to manage or eliminate the symptoms you are experiencing,” she says.

To make an appointment with Alexandra Demeglio, PA, call 212-241-9410.

Understanding your airborne and environmental triggers starts with a simple, rapid skin prick (also called a puncture or scratch) test. The test takes about two minutes to administer, and in as little as 15 minutes you can get results that can be used to develop a treatment plan. In this Q&A, she explains how that process works.

What are common allergy (allergic rhinitis) symptoms?

The most common allergy symptoms include:
• Nasal congestion, which may be accompanied by clogged ears
• Itchiness in the eyes, nose, ears, or throat
• Watery eyes or nose
• Post-nasal drip—mucus from your nose or sinuses that drips down your throat
• Red eyes or dry eyelids
• Worsening asthma symptoms
• Fatigue or brain fog

What is causing my allergy symptoms?

Many environmental and seasonal factors can trigger allergy symptoms. These include:
• Pollen (grass and trees in spring and summer; ragweed, pigweed, and mugwort in fall)
• Mold and mold spores
• Pets and other animals
• Pests, such as mice and roaches
• Feathers
• Changes in humidity
• Dust mites

Some causes are not just seasonal but also regional in nature, such as mold, which is relatively common in some states, including New York, but virtually nonexistent in other states, such as Arizona. Also, your home furnishings and décor can contain months—even years—of allergens, so keeping them clean will help to reduce or prevent symptoms.

Should I be concerned about my symptoms?

If over-the-counter medications are not providing relief from allergies and your symptoms are worsening or severe enough that they affect your quality of life, you should see an otolaryngologist about testing and treatment options.

Untreated allergies can lead to conditions such as nasal polyps, eczema, and asthma. To prevent that from happening, it is important to desensitize your immune system to affecting allergens. That starts with getting a better understanding of what you are allergic to.

A consultation with an otolaryngologist usually begins with a review of your medical history and symptoms followed by a nasal endoscopy of your nose and sinuses. Based on the findings, the otolaryngologist may prescribe an over-the-counter medication and lifestyle changes, recommend further consultation with a rhinologist, or refer you for a skin prick test.

What is a skin prick test?

The skin prick test is designed to deliver quick insights about the seasonal or environmental factors that are triggering your allergic symptoms. It is typically performed using the forearm among adults.

Before the test begins, the health professional will clean the forearm skin with alcohol. Using a device with multiple small needles, the professional will make gentle scratches along the skin and apply 40 different allergen extracts, such as pollen, cat hair, and mold. In cases involving suspected food allergies, a referral will be made to an allergist for the skin prick test.

The process typically takes two minutes. During the test, the health professional will apply two other substances to measure patient reactions to the allergens—histamine, which is released by the body during an allergic reaction, and a glycerin saline solution, which typically produces no reaction.

How do I prepare for a skin prick test?

To prepare for a skin prick test, you should:
• Stop taking prescription and over-the-counter antihistamine medications, including sprays, at least one week before the test. This will ensure that the test is accurate in identifying allergies and the degree of severity.
• Discontinue oral acid reflux medications up to three days before the test.
• Delay taking any blood pressure medication until after the test.

Patients who are taking steroid-based nasal sprays or other medications to treat asthma or allergic asthma can continue to do so.

Skin prick tests are not recommended for patients who are not able to suspend medications that can interfere with the outcomes of the test. In these cases, a blood test will be performed. Skin prick tests are also not recommended during pregnancy to prevent the risk of a bad reaction that affects blood flow to the fetus.

What happens after the test?

Once the allergen extracts have been applied to the skin, the health professional will wait 15 minutes and then check the patient’s forearm for reactions. They are looking for anything that resembles a mosquito bite, which is a positive. They will also look at the degree of sensitivity, which they measure using a scale from one to four, with four meaning a large hive. That tells providers what a patient is very allergic to.

The results, which are revealed the day of your appointment, will determine treatment recommendations. Patients who demonstrate a mild reaction are typically prescribed a six-to-eight-week regimen of over-the-counter antihistamines. Patients who demonstrate a severe reaction, or whose symptoms are not controlled, or worsen, during antihistamine treatment, are referred to an allergist or immunologist for further assessment and, in some cases, allergy immunotherapy shots. Patients whose test results are negative despite displaying symptoms will be referred to an allergist for intradermal testing, in which the allergens are injected under the skin.

Ultimately, once you have a better idea of what is causing your symptoms, you have options that can provide relief from allergies. Mount Sinai’s team of otolaryngologists, allergists, and immunologists are available to help you.

“Our otolaryngology program spans everything from head and neck to rhinology,” Ms. Demeglio says. “Our clinicians are on the cutting edge in treating people efficiently and effectively. We know the appropriate treatments, and we can individualize them so that we can improve your quality of life.”

Make an appointment with Alexandra Demeglio, PA

How to Safely Observe a Solar Eclipse

Updated on Mar 27, 2024 | Featured, Your Health

Mount Sinai researchers used state-of-the-art imaging to closely examine a patient’s retina after the solar eclipse of August 2017 burned a crescent shape into her eye.

The tricky thing about a partial solar eclipse is that if you look at it directly, you won’t feel any immediate pain. But the sun’s energy can still permanently damage your retina—and your vision.

In this Q&A, Avnish Deobhakta, MD, Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, explains how to safely look at a solar eclipse and the potential harm that can occur if you do not follow basic precautions for viewing this spectacle, which will take place Monday, April 8.

Avnish Deobhakta, MD

Why should I avoid looking at a solar eclipse? What damage can it do to the eye?

The solar eclipse is a very, very dangerous event for your eyes. Light beams from the sky carry a lot of energy that can be transmitted into the retina and damage it. Usually, the sun is very bright and it’s almost impossible to look directly at it without discomfort. But during a solar eclipse, you can look at the sun for a long period of time and be fooled into thinking that it’s safe because it doesn’t hurt. This is because most of the sun’s rays are blocked off by the eclipse. But the sun’s rays that you see during a partial eclipse are the most damaging to the eye. It’s almost like you’re getting a disproportionate helping of the most energetic and damaging rays because all of the other rays are blocked and the ones that make it through are not so bright that they force you to look away.

What can happen if I take a quick peek?

Even a very quick look at a solar eclipse can burn your retina. During the last solar eclipse, in 2017, one of my patients looked at the eclipse and sustained damage to her retina. She thought she was using protective glasses—but they weren’t the right type. She still has a blank section, a visual blind spot, in the center of her visual field. I used groundbreaking technology to take a close look at the damage to her eye. The damage was in the exact shape as the moon—a crescent shape. We were one of the few sites that had that prototype machine and could take that photo. It may not help the patient, but it gave us new information about the damage caused by exposure to the sun’s rays. Other people have been known to have visual distortions in part of their visual field. Even with a total solar eclipse, there will always be a moment when the sun re-emerges, and some of those rays can damage the retina.

Is the damage permanent?

Yes. We cannot fix it. At the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, we have the technology to take an image and see the part of the retina that is damaged, but there is nothing a doctor can do to treat it. The damage doesn’t go away. Even decades later, your vision will still be impaired.

Can I look using a mirror?

No. Mirrors reflect the damaging sun rays. Looking in a mirror is the equivalent of looking directly at the solar eclipse–it’s not safe.

What about special sunglasses? Are those safe?

It’s fine to use approved sunglasses that have the right filters. However, you have to make absolutely sure that you have those filters, and you need to obtain them from a reputable vendor. If you are not sure of either of those things, then you should not look at the eclipse, and instead look at a projection of the rays. Most of the people I’ve seen whose eyes were damaged by looking at a solar eclipse thought they were wearing the right glasses. And if you think you’re protected, you’re going to look longer, which increases the chances—and the extent—of damage. (Click here to learn more about safe viewing on the JAMA Patient Page created by the Journal of the American Medical Association.)

How about using a camera, like the one on my phone?

Generally speaking, if you look through your phone camera, you’re looking at an image rendered through the camera. You’re not actually looking directly at the sun, which means, theoretically, that it is safe. What worries me is not the phone camera—it’s that when people hold the camera up toward the sun, they might look around it for even just a brief period of time and can end up with a damaged retina. Think about a concert, when people have their phones out and are recording the concert, but they’re also looking around and watching the band on the stage. That’s not safe during a solar eclipse.

Is there a safe way to look at a solar eclipse?

Pinhole cameras are safe. They reflect light off an object and onto a surface such as a cardboard box or a wall. That way you’re not looking at the rays themselves, you’re looking at a projection of what the rays look like. You can watch a pinhole camera image as long as you’d like; you can even watch the entire solar eclipse reproduced on a pinhole camera and it’s perfectly safe. (Click here to get instructions on how to make your own pinhole camera.)

What if I’m outside during a solar eclipse but I don’t look up?

I don’t want anyone to think if they’re just in the presence of a solar eclipse they’re going to go blind. It’s okay to be outside during a solar eclipse, just be very careful. Be very mindful not to look directly at the sun in any way–and certainly not on purpose. The problem is that if you don’t know what’s going on and the sky looks different all of a sudden, your first instinct is to look up at the sun. The first instinct of all humankind is to look up. But that instinct can be dangerous during a solar eclipse.

Learn more about patient services at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai

Colorectal Cancer Is Rising Among Younger People. Here’s What We Know.

Updated on Mar 12, 2024 | Gastroenterology, Your Health

Colorectal cancer (cancers of the colon and rectum) is rising globally among people under 50 years old, prompting the American Cancer Society in 2018 to change their screening recommendation from age 50 to 45. While rates are also rising among those in their 20s and 30s, colorectal cancer is still less common among this age group.

Pascale White, MD, MBA, MS, FACG

Experts don’t know why more younger people are getting colorectal cancer, but it’s clear that early-onset colorectal cancer (affecting those under 50 years old) is becoming an important public health issue. In this Q&A, Pascale White, MD, MBA, MS, FACG, Director of the Gastroenterology Clinic, and Associate Professor of Medicine (Gastroenterology), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, discusses warning signs younger people should look out for and when to see a doctor.

Why are many people in their 20s and 30s going undiagnosed with colorectal cancer?

Many young people don’t have primary care doctors or are ignoring their symptoms until they already have late-stage colorectal cancer. They may go to an urgent care center for strep throat or the flu, but they are ignoring important symptoms like rectal bleeding. They think they are too young to have cancer or are embarrassed. Regardless of how old you are, you should have a relationship with a primary care doctor who knows you and your patterns, who will be able to tell if something is wrong.

Younger patients are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced stage colorectal cancer (stages III and IV). A majority of cases are occurring in the rectum and the distal colon (the last part of the colon). The earlier colorectal cancer is diagnosed, the greater your chances are for survival.

What increases my risks as a younger person?

Some of the risk factors for younger people are the same as those who are older. These include having a family history of colorectal cancer or having a hereditary condition like Lynch syndrome; being obese; not getting enough physical activity; using alcohol and tobacco, which have both been shown to be independent risk factors for colorectal cancer; and eating a low-fiber diet high in processed meat.

Are certain groups more at risk than others?

Early-onset colorectal cancer is increasing in both men and women; the most significant increase is occurring among non-Hispanic white patients. However, there are racial disparities that exist in early-onset colorectal cancer. Studies have shown that young Black patients have overall worse survival rates.

What type of family history puts me at risk?

The majority of young people who are getting early-onset colorectal cancer don’t have a family history of cancer. That said, any family history of colorectal cancer could be relevant. Knowing first-degree family history (mom/dad/brother/sister) helps your doctor determine if there is a higher risk. However, second-degree family history (aunts/uncles/grandparents/grandchildren/half siblings/nieces and nephews) can help spot potential patterns that might put you at risk. Mount Sinai has genetic counselors that can help identify these patterns.

What symptoms indicate that younger people should see a doctor?

A majority of people who are coming to see the doctor with early-onset colorectal cancer are symptomatic, and a majority of symptoms are blood in stool and abdominal or rectal pain. Other symptoms include unintentional weight loss, changes in bowel habits, diarrhea, and iron deficiency anemia. Young people need to understand seeing blood in the stool (whether it is bright red blood or black stool) should not be ignored. Bleeding could be caused by something benign like hemorrhoids or something malignant like colorectal cancer. If you experience these symptoms, see a doctor as soon as possible. If colorectal cancer is caught early, your chances of survival are higher.

Should I Be Worried About Changes in My Stool?

How can I reduce my risk?

Some things may not be in your complete control. For example, we are investigating whether there are certain environmental exposures that put younger people at risk. That said, there are actions you can take regardless of age that reduce overall risk for colorectal cancer. These include eating a well-balanced diet of high-fiber foods (fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and whole grains); reducing your intake of processed foods, especially processed meat; getting regular exercise; and monitoring any health conditions you have, such as diabetes and obesity.

What is a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a safe and effective procedure where a doctor uses a camera to examine the lining of the colon and rectum for growths called polyps and/or other abnormalities including colorectal cancer. During the examination, you are given some sedation to keep you comfortable. If polyps are found they are removed and sent to the pathologist for evaluation. Some polyps are benign while others could be precancerous. The type of polyps removed will determine when the colonoscopy should be repeated in the future.

Will my insurance cover it?

Insurance companies cover colonoscopies for people who are 45 years and older for screening colonoscopies. A screening colonoscopy is what the procedure is called when it is being done on a patient who has no symptoms. If you are under age 45 but are experiencing symptoms, you would be sent for a diagnostic colonoscopy because the procedure is being done to find the diagnosis that would explain the symptoms. In either case, we encourage patients to communicate with their insurance company prior to procedures to ensure they will cover the cost.

How can I get a colonoscopy if I don’t have insurance?

Call your health provider to see what resources may be available for free or low-cost colonoscopies. They can help navigate patients to centers that accommodate people who do not have insurance

Learn more about Digestive Diseases and Gastroenterology at Mount Sinai

Schedule an appointment with a Mount Sinai primary care doctor near you

At the Mount Sinai Morningside Spine Program, the Personal Touch Is Key to Healing

Updated on Mar 5, 2024 | Featured, Mount Sinai Morningside, Your Health

Team members at the Spine Program at Mount Sinai Morningside include, from left, Kiran Ballani, Rachel Newman, PA-C, Patrick Reid, MD, Lauren Mcnoble, PA-C, Divaldo Camara, MD, and Priscilla Garcia

If you are having problems with your back and believe you may need to consult with a surgeon, then Mount Sinai has a program for you.

Mount Sinai Morningside has launched a Spine Program with a uniquely personalized and integrated approach. In addition to its advanced and compassionate clinical providers, the Spine Program is one of the few in New York City to have a care coordinator who focuses on helping patients find the right specialist for their needs.

Priscilla Garcia, a clinical navigator for the Spine Program, is one of the many people who make it work. She helps patients get what they need as soon as possible, prioritizing non-surgical treatments when possible.

“My role is to triage patients,” she says. “Some patients think they need a neurosurgeon right off the bat, but if they’re in pain, I schedule them with one of our pain management specialists first.”

If patients need multiple appointments, she often will try to schedule appointments in the same day for the patient’s convenience. A pain management specialist may order an MRI and notice something that a neurosurgeon should evaluate, so she will try to make that happen on the same day—a more efficient and convenient option for patients.

“It’s great for the patient because they don’t have to go home and come back again in a short timeframe. And the patients feel that we are addressing all their needs in a holistic way” she says.

Patrick Reid, MD, left, and Divaldo Camara, MD. “What sets us apart is how we try to make it easier for patients,” says Dr. Reid. “Some try to do it with computer systems or software, but we are devoting human resources to it.” To make an appointment, call 212-523-8500.

Patrick C. Reid, MD, Director of the Spine Program and Chief of Neurosurgery at Mount Sinai Morningside, makes every effort to help patients get care quickly and easily.

“When people go to the doctor, it can be confusing, especially with something as complex as the spine and surgery. Many times, people are forced to navigate the system themselves and hope for the best,” he says. “But an easy way to improve care is to get the patient in the right room with the right specialist, and that’s what we do in our program.”

Patients with spine issues are often older, and reducing the number of trips to the doctor’s office is beneficial.

“Any patient who sees us needs to have things simplified as much as possible,” says Dr. Reid. “People who have jobs, childcare needs—they all need help coordinating their health care. You don’t want to miss two days of work. That’s the benefit of having a navigator who’s had a lot of experience coordinating these things—it’s invaluable.”

The program at Mount Sinai Morningside has all the advantages of a major academic medical system, including access to the latest equipment and to the most advanced treatment techniques.

“But what sets us apart is how we try to make it easier for patients,” says Dr. Reid. “Some try to do it with computer systems or software, but we are devoting human resources to it.”

Only a small percentage of patients at the Spine Center actually receive surgery.

“There are a full range of treatments we can try before suggesting surgery,” says Dr. Reid. “But if our colleagues are running out of options trying to make a patient feel better, then we start having the discussion about surgery—the risks and benefits and likely outcomes.”

In addition, patients with back or neck pain often have health issues that contribute to their condition, and one of the advantages at Mount Sinai Morningside is ready access to specialists in many other areas throughout the Mount Sinai Health System.

“We see many patients with conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease, and we will help them get the any additional treatments as quickly as we can,” Dr. Reid says.

Learn more about the Spine Program at Mount Sinai Morningside

To make an appointment, call 212-523-8500

Should I Be Worried About Changes in My Stool?

Mar 4, 2024 | Gastroenterology, Your Health

Your stool—a very basic fact of life—is a good reflection of your health. It provides insight into the quality of your diet and, potentially, may indicate certain diseases, such as cancer. While changes in bowel habits are usually not a cause for alarm, they can indicate potential issues. How can you tell if your stool is healthy, and when is it time to see a doctor?

Pascale White, MD, MBA, MS, FACG

In this Q&A, Pascale White, MD, MBA, MS, FACG, Director of the Gastroenterology Clinic, and Associate Professor of Medicine (Gastroenterology), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, discusses how to monitor your bowel movements for potential problems, and offers simple tips on how to eat for better gut health.

How often should I be having bowel movements and what should they be like?

Every individual has their own baseline bowel habits, which are largely affected by diet and can vary in frequency for all of us. Here are some general guidelines:

Some bowel frequencies can vary anywhere from three times a day to every other day.
Healthy stool is soft formed, typically sausage-shaped, and should be easy to pass.
The color is typically brown but sometimes varies based on what you eat. In some cases, color may indicate a potential health issue. For example, if your stool is very pale or clay-colored, it may be something you ate or could be a sign of liver disease.

What changes indicate I should see a doctor?

We all experience changes in bowel movements, and occasional changes typically do not indicate a problem. However, if you are experiencing a big change in your typical pattern, you should speak to a doctor, especially if you experience:

Stool that is black and tarry or contains red blood (indicates potential internal bleeding, hemorrhoids, inflammatory bowel disease, or colon cancer)
Hard pellet-like stools that are difficult to pass or will not pass (indicates constipation)
Bowel movements that are completely watery (diarrhea)
Stool that is pencil-thin or ribbon-like (indicates potential colon cancer, polyp, or other lesion causing narrowing of your large intestine)

What can I eat to ensure good colon health?

You should eat a lot of fiber—including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes—which bulks up stool and keeps it moving along, and also produces substances your colon needs. Generally, you should eat 20 to 30 grams of fiber daily. Keep in mind that eating fiber (particularly insoluble fiber) may cause some bloating or loose stools, but it is generally well tolerated. You should also drink plenty of water to prevent constipation.

Colorectal Cancer Is Rising Among Younger People. Here’s What We Know.

What foods should I avoid?

You should avoid red meat in general, which is high in fat and does not contain fiber, and especially processed meats, such as sausage, bacon, and deli meat. The process of curing and smoking meat generates carcinogenic compounds that can promote changes in the colon cells that can lead to cancer.

What are some easy ways to include more fiber in my diet?

Here are some simple steps:

Plan your meals and prepare them in advance. For example, making overnight oats before bed is a great way to ensure you are getting fiber in the morning.
Look for ways to make easy switches to what you normally eat. When eating out, get a salad, ideally one with dark, leafy greens, instead of fries. Instead of drinking fruit juice, eat the whole fruit.
Swap white potatoes for sweet potatoes, which are higher in fiber, and leave the skin. Make sandwiches with whole grain bread instead of white bread.
For a snack, grab a bag of nuts instead of a bag of chips.
You may also find that food-tracking apps are a great way to ensure you are getting enough fiber and other nutrients every day.

What are some other ways to maintain good colon health?

Exercise, moderate your alcohol intake, and do not smoke. If you are over the age of 45, or are considered high risk for colon cancer due to health issues or family history, you qualify for a colonoscopy. The procedure not only screens for colon cancer and other potential issues, but also allows us to remove polyps that can turn into cancer. Stool tests may also help identify potential issues, though they are not as effective as a colonoscopy.

Learn more about Digestive Diseases and Gastroenterology at Mount Sinai

Schedule an appointment with a Mount Sinai primary care doctor near you

What You Need to Know About COVID-19 and Other Respiratory Viruses Right Now

Updated on Mar 9, 2024 | Featured, Your Health

It’s that time of the year when everyone seems to know someone who is under the weather. Respiratory illnesses, not just COVID-19, have been on the rise.

Experts say your best defense remains the same: Keep up to date with your vaccinations, consider taking steps to limit your exposure to large indoor crowds and wearing a well-fitting mask at public gatherings, and talk with your health care provider if you are feeling sick.

New Guidelines Shorten the Time You Should Isolate if You Are Infected

If you have COVID-19, or another respiratory infection, health experts say you can return to work or school sooner. New recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest returning to normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, symptoms are improving, and if a fever was present, it has been gone without the use of fever-reducing medication. (Previous guidance from the CDC recommended people who were infected with COVID-19 remain in isolation for five days.)

Now the CDC says that once people resume normal activities, they are encouraged to take additional prevention strategies for the next five days to curb disease spread, such as taking more steps for cleaner air, enhancing hygiene practices, wearing a well-fitting mask, keeping a distance from others, and/or getting tested for respiratory viruses. Enhanced precautions are especially important to protect those most at risk for severe illness, including those over 65 and people with weakened immune systems, according to the CDC. Click here to read more from the CDC.

Note: The updated CDC guidelines do not apply to health care facilities. Click here for the latest Mount Sinai visitor policy.

“It’s the season for respiratory viruses,” says Bernard Camins, MD, MSC, Professor of Medicine (Infectious Diseases) at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the Medical Director for Infection Prevention for the Mount Sinai Health System. “It’s no longer all about COVID-19. That is now just one of a number of respiratory viruses we need to contend with.”

In addition to COVID-19, health authorities are watching a number of respiratory viruses that are circulating: influenza or seasonal flu (there are actually two forms of it this year); respiratory syncytial virus (RSV); and the common cold (rhinovirus). Taken together, they can make for a difficult season for patients and health care providers alike.

A Spike in Influenza, COVID-19, and Other Respiratory Illnesses Can Lead to a Rise in Cardiovascular Complications

Mount Sinai cardiologists are warning about the risk of heart problems this winter. Click here to read more

For COVID-19, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reports hospitalizations in New York had surged at the end of December to their highest levels in about a year, following a smaller upturn in September. But the numbers were about half of what they were during a surge a year ago, and they are about one-tenth of the number in January of 2022 during the last big surge.

Bernard Camins, MD, MSC

Vaccinations for COVID-19 and the flu may not completely prevent you from becoming infected, but they are likely to keep you from getting seriously ill and requiring hospitalization. For both of these illnesses, it’s not too late to get vaccinated if you have not already done so. The flu season typically extends until spring.

RSV commonly causes mild, cold-like symptoms in most healthy adults and goes away after a few days. However, for infants and older adults with pre-existing conditions like heart disease or lung disease, RSV can cause severe disease and even death. The CDC recommends the RSV vaccine for adults 60 and older. The vaccine is also recommended for expectant mothers towards the end of their pregnancies so their newborns will have antibodies against RSV. The last preventive measure is a monoclonal antibody against RSV administered to newborns less than 8 months old.

Dr. Camins’ general recommendations for keeping healthy remain unchanged:

Those at risk for complications from respiratory infections may want to wear a more protective mask in crowded areas, such as riding the bus or subway or shopping. A surgical mask provides some protection but not as much as a high-quality N95 or KN95 mask.
Wash your hands frequently especially when you get home or arrive at work.
Individuals at high-risk should talk with their health care provider and have a plan for how to get antiviral medications if they become infected with COVID-19 or the flu, as these prescription medications must be taken within the first days of symptom onset. Those at high-risk include older adults, those with chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, and those with reduced ability to fight infections, such as those being treated for some cancers.

Dr. Camins offers these additional key takeaways:

Staying home: If you are feeling very sick, you should stay home, especially if you have a fever. You may go to work when you’re feeling better, and you may want to wear a mask until your symptoms fully resolve to prevent infecting your co-workers. There’s no need for extended isolation at home as people were doing in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, he says.

Taking medications: Talk with your provider about medications if you become infected. Anti-viral mediations make good sense. Paxlovid™ (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) for COVID-19 can help adults who may be at high risk for more severe illness. Anti-viral medications such as Tamiflu® (oseltamivir) for seasonal flu can lessen symptoms and shorten the time you are sick, and they can be helpful for those at risk of complications.

The new variant: The latest variant of the virus that causes COVID-19, JN.1, does not seem to be any more worrisome than others that came before it, and existing treatments work well against it. “We will probably continue to see more variants as the virus that causes COVID-19 mutates,” says Dr. Camins. “You just have to accept there is always going to be a new variant.”

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