As we enter November — the month that in the past three years has seen the start of a spike in COVID hospitalizations — the Centers for Disease Control is recording minimal or low levels of respiratory illness in most states but notes an increase in jurisdictions with moderate or high levels.
Here’s what to know about protecting yourself:
• Vaccinations for COVID-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus: A guide to the current vaccine options, including whether you should get two (or three) at once. ••• Plus: Is it too late for a flu shot?
• Masking requirements in the Bay Area: Santa Clara County and Marin County are requiring everybody to wear a mask in public areas of hospitals and other health-care facilities. Four other counties have requirements for employees only.
• At-home COVID tests: You can get four more at-home test kits mailed to you free. ••• Plus: Can I use an expired test?
• How to know if you’re contagious: A doctor’s advice on timelines and recommended precautions after infection.
• Full coverage: All of our COVID-19 articles | CDC website on COVID, flu, RSV
