Sunday is the first day of the Lunar New Year and with people coming together to celebrate, doctors are urging people to stay safe against illnesses.  

More than 1 billion people celebrate the Lunar New Year each year across China, Eastern Asia, and the United States with celebrations lasting up to 15 days.

Doctors say you can never be too safe when gathering with friends and family members that may be more at risk of illnesses like COVID-19 and RSV.

“If you have a cold, you have sneezing, sore throat, you have fever then try not to go,” said Dr. Henry Chen, President of SOMOS Community Care.

Dr. Chen says most people have been vaccinated against both covid and the flu which increases protection amongst themselves and others this Lunar New Year.