Traveling Huskies fans should defend their health
The University of Washington football team takes on the Texas Longhorns in the Valero Alamo Bowl on Thursday in San Antonio. Infectious diseases expert Dr. Paul Pottinger encourages traveling Huskies fans to mask up when they can.
“Everybody should be able to travel and have a fun experience, covering up when possible,” said Pottinger, who is the director of the Infectious Diseases & Tropical Medicine Clinic at UW Medical Center – Montlake. “We have enough viruses circulating around: COVID-19, seasonal flu and also RSV, the respiratory syncytial virus. These are all on the rise nationwide. San Antonio is not immune to that.”
Pottinger says masks are a good idea come game time, as well, with the 72,000-seat Alamodome presenting an elevated risk for virus transmission.
“The Alamodome may be a big dome, but I'm still worried about the possibility that you might be at high risk of catching or spreading infection from person to person,” said Pottinger. “Have some good UW spirit – show that with your mask.”
In addition to wearing masks, Pottinger says travelers should be up to date on their COVID-19 booster doses and should have received this year’s flu shot.
Download broadcast-ready soundbites with Pottinger.
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