STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Now that the winter holiday season is upon us, gatherings and crowds are unavoidable — bringing with them increased risk of contracting the flu or the coronavirus (COVID-19).

With miserable symptoms, including fever, chills, congestion, shortness of breath, cough and sore throat, they both also bring serious — potentially deadly — risks in the very young, seniors, and those with compromised immunity.

So, if you truly want to gift others this holiday season, vaccination is the way to do it, according to doctors.

Both internal medicine experts and health-governing agencies urge vaccination and hand washing to prevent infections of both COVID-19 and flu viruses.

High-risk groups, including older adults, pregnant people and those with chronic conditions, are especiall

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