Prep for fall's sick season

Shots Tim Sloan/AFP via Getty Images  Could The Live Flu Vaccine Help You Fight Off COVID-19? While the world eagerly awaits an effective COVID-19 vaccine, some scientists are studying the protection available from some vaccines already tested and on the market, including the live flu vaccine. Science reporter Michaeleen Doucleff reports that over the past century, scientists have noticed something peculiar about live vaccines: They seem to offer some protection, not just from the targeted disease, but also against other diseases, including respiratory infections. So when you get your flu shot this year, you may want to opt for the nasal spray because it contains a small amount of weakened live virus. We don’t know yet how long the protective effect will last, but if it can slow the spread of COVID until there’s a targeted vaccine, we’re here for it. Read on to find out how live vaccines boost our overall immunity. BONUS: How to prep for fall's sick season  Newsletter continues after sponsor message Nathan Rott/NPR  What Smoky Skies Mean For Your Health Tens of millions of Americans have been living under a heavy layer of yellow-y, cloudy skies for a few days or weeks at a time as wildfires have raged this season. And scientists say we can expect more of this as the planet heats up and years of accumulated forest debris needs to burn. It’s becoming the new normal. But aside from the immediate effects of coughing, burning eyes, and blackened snot, what are the long-term health effects?  There is a surprising lack of data on that, but scientists and epidemiologists are quickly trying to fill the gap. Read on to find out what they're learning about how breathing smoke may make us ill. BONUS: Why we need to reset our relationship with fire  LA Johnson/NPR  5 Tips To Help You Eat Well Without Breaking The Bank Being at home more means we’re spending a lot more on groceries. NPR’s Life Kit team talked with dietician Shana Spence for tips on how to eat more healthfully without spending a fortune. First, don’t be fooled by buzzy labels like GMO-free, low-fat or low-sugar. They often cost more and don’t always mean the healthiest choice. And organic?  ”Organic is fine if that's what you want to buy, but for someone who is [budget-conscious], that's not necessary," Spence says. Eating greens is still good for you, whether you buy them organic at a local farmer's market or frozen at the supermarket. Also, make a list before you shop and make frozen and canned foods your friends. Read on for more tricks to eat well on a budget.  BONUS: How to grocery shop safely during the pandemic   More of this week's health stories from NPR More of this week’s health stories from NPR: How long do you need to be exposed before you're at risk of getting COVID-19?  How 19 women around the world are facing down the pandemic ​​​​​​​ COMIC: You're wearing it wrong! A face mask safety refresher   We hope you enjoyed these stories. Find more of NPR's health journalism on Shots and follow us on Twitter at @NPRHealth. Your Shots editor, April Fulton   What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: shots@npr.org Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can sign up here. Looking for more great content? Check out all of our newsletter offerings — including Goats & Soda, Daily News, Best of NPR and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Health emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy