Former U.S. Surgeon General urges vaccination as Covid and flu cases begin to rise  

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- With flu season officially underway, health experts highlight the importance of staying alert — because this time of year often brings a mix of unpredictable illnesses. 

Former U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams, who now directs the Health Equity Action Leadership Center at Purdue University said COVID-19 is still very much part of that conversation. 

“The weather is cooling off. And so its important that we all protect ourselves and understand the important tools available to keep us safe,” Adams said.  

Adams said it’s crucial to consider getting the COVID-19 vaccine — not just for ourselves, but for our loved ones — since most adults have at least one risk factor that could lead to a more serious case of the virus.  

He said that this is the time of year when cases usually start to rise, so it’s better to talk about prevention now rather than wait until the virus hits home.  

“I think its better to just talk about cold and flu season. The most important things are clean, cover and contain. Make sure you’re washing hands, covering the mouth while coughing and staying at home when sick,” Adams said.  

He pointed out that about seven in ten adults have a health condition — like being overweight, having high blood pressure or diabetes — that could lead to more serious complications from COVID-19.  

He emphasized that it’s especially important for pregnant women to get vaccinated since they face a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 — and vaccination helps protect both their health and their baby’s.  

“There are many measures you should take but the most important is to important to talk to your provider and understand the risk,” Adams.  

Adams said that risk isn’t only tied to age — it also depends on how much exposure someone has at work or in daily life — making it even more important to take preventive steps and protect our health.