5 Issues to Know In regards to the Flu and COVID-19 this Flu Season

Now’s the time to schedule and obtain your influenza (flu) shot and up to date COVID-19 booster. Primarily based on current an infection charges world wide, specialists anticipate that the U.S. may have an extended, extra extreme flu season than we now have seen in recent times and with COVID-19 variants nonetheless inflicting folks to grow to be sick, it’s a good suggestion to remain on prime of the newest boosters. To assist cut back an infection charges and stop detrimental outcomes from the flu and from COVID-19 this season, the flu shot and COVID-19 booster are extremely beneficial for most individuals.

Listed here are 5 issues to learn about COVID-19 and the 2022 flu season.

1. Why it’s essential to get each the flu shot and COVID-19 booster
   Up to date COVID-19 boosters and annual flu photographs assist present safety for you, your loved ones and mates. Through the 2019-2020 flu season alone, the U.S. noticed 7.5 million flu sicknesses, 105,000 hospitalizations, and 6,300 deaths. A flu shot is the very best protection to cut back the chance of flu an infection, extreme sickness, hospitalization and loss of life.

   Equally, there was a median of 4,753 circumstances of COVID-19 reported per day in California this 12 months. Receiving the annual flu vaccine and the up to date COVID booster are the very best methods to forestall each viruses from spreading to susceptible populations. These new boosters assist to revive safety that has waned since earlier vaccination and focusing on current Omicron variants which are extra transmissible and immune-evading.

2. Who ought to obtain a flu shot and COVID-19 booster
   Everybody 6 months and older ought to get vaccinated yearly for the flu shot. There are particular teams of people who find themselves extra in danger for the flu, together with folks 65 years and older, individuals who have sure persistent medical situations (corresponding to coronary heart illness, diabetes, and bronchial asthma), pregnant girls and kids underneath 5 who’re at larger danger of creating critical flu-related problems.

   The CDC has beneficial the up to date boosters from Pfizer-BioNTech for adults and kids ages 5 years and older and from Moderna for folks ages 6 years and older. These COVID-19 boosters are bivalent, that means they aim Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5, and the unique pressure of the COVID-19 virus, in a single shot.

3. When to get a flu shot and COVID-19 booster
   Flu season usually begins in October and peaks between December and February. The CDC recommends getting a flu shot between late September and late October because it takes about two weeks for the immunity to kind in your physique. Nevertheless, it’s by no means too late to get the flu shot.

   You may safely get your flu shot and COVID-19 booster on the similar time. Getting an up to date booster means you’re serving to to revive your physique’s safety towards COVID-19, which has decreased since earlier vaccination. Because of this, this supplies broader safety towards newer variants so getting the newest booster as quickly as potential is inspired.

   “Getting vaccinated is an easy act of kindness as a result of it protects the folks round you who could also be extra susceptible to problems from both of those viruses,” says Kelley Brinsky, DO, with Dignity Well being Medical Group — Sequoia.

4. How are you aware if it’s COVID-19 or the flu?
   Since each COVID-19 and the flu are respiratory sicknesses, signs will be comparable and troublesome to distinguish. Do you have to be affected by flu or COVID-19 signs that you just imagine might make you infectious to these round you, contact your physician to assist decide the very best course for testing or therapy.

   “As a result of COVID-19 and the Flu have most of the similar signs, it’s a good suggestion to get examined for COVID-19 as quickly as you’ve got signs,” says Dr. Brinsky.

5. Extra methods to keep away from catching the flu and COVID-19
   There are a variety of how to cut back the chance in getting the flu, together with incorporating wholesome habits in your every day routine. The next further precautionary measures can assist to cut back the unfold of the flu in addition to COVID-19:

   – Cowl your mouth throughout coughs and sneezes
   – Wash palms typically
   – Keep residence should you’re sick
   – Keep away from touching your face, nostril and mouth

If in case you have flu or COVID signs, you need to contact your physician as quickly as potential. You may alleviate signs by hydrating and taking over-the-counter ache medicine corresponding to Tylenol and ibuprofen while you begin having signs.

“The actions we take now to assist cease the unfold of the flu will hold our households and communities secure,” says Dr. Brinsky. “Staying up-to-date in your vaccinations for flu and COVID-19 is your greatest protection towards contracting and spreading the flu or COVID-19.”

If in case you have any questions on signs you’re experiencing, you can also make a digital visits appointment together with your main care supplier to assist decide care. Schedule your vaccinations at the moment by calling your native Dignity Well being Medical Group clinic.