This flu season, it will be important as ever to guard ourselves and our family members towards each the flu and COVID-19. We spoke to 2 Dignity Well being Medical Group physicians who shared what you need to know this flu season.
COVID-19 and the Flu
It’s doable to contract each COVID-19 and the flu concurrently, nevertheless receiving the flu shot decreases the chance of getting these viruses collectively and reduces your chance of getting the flu altogether.
With flu season usually lasting from October to Might, the CDC recommends getting your flu shot between late September and late October because it takes about two weeks for immunity to type in your physique. Nonetheless, it’s by no means too late to get the flu shot. Notice that in case you have been uncovered to, or are recovering from COVID-19, you shouldn’t get the flu vaccine till your quarantine interval is over.
Binita Mandal, MD, an immunologist with Dignity Well being Mercy Medical Group, explains that the seasonal flu and COVID-19 produce related signs, together with fever, chills, cough, congestion, shortness of breath, fatigue, headache, muscle and physique aches, nausea and sore throat.
COVID-19 signs could embrace lack of odor and style — which is much less frequent with the flu. It’s best to contemplate getting examined for each in case you have any of those signs, in addition to observe quarantine protocol to assist preserve others secure.
Children and the Flu Shot
Danton Kono, MD, a pediatrician with Dignity Well being Mercy Medical Group in Citrus Heights, shares that though many vaccines are solely administered as soon as in your adolescence, the CDC recommends a yearly seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine for everybody six months and older, together with pregnant girls. Youngsters six months to eight years previous who’re receiving the flu shot for the primary time, will want two doses of the vaccine 4 weeks aside to be protected, so they need to begin the method early within the season.
Misconceptions
One of the frequent misunderstandings concerning the flu shot is that it causes you to contract the flu. Dr. Mandal explains that you just can’t get the flu from the flu vaccine. In case you have signs resembling muscle aches, a sore arm or a low-grade fever after you obtain the shot, it’s doubtless your immune response to the vaccine and never the flu.
You will need to know {that a} wholesome grownup who will get the flu might simply infect somebody extra weak. Excessive-risk populations and people with power diseases have an elevated likelihood of growing critical problems from the flu, resembling pneumonia.
Defending Your self and Beloved Ones Towards the Flu
A flu shot is your finest protection towards contracting and spreading the flu. The next extra precautionary measures might help to cut back the unfold of the flu in addition to COVID-19:
- Washing your arms
- Carrying a masks
- Disinfecting frequent surfaces
- Training bodily distancing
- Staying house when feeling sick
In case you have flu signs, you need to contact your physician as quickly as doable. You may alleviate signs by hydrating and taking over-the-counter ache treatment resembling Tylenol and ibuprofen once you begin having signs. Taking Tamiflu inside 72 hours of symptom onset could shorten the length and severity of flu signs.
Conclusion
The extra individuals obtain the flu vaccine, the simpler it is going to be to cut back the unfold of the flu whereas we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. The actions we take now to assist cease the unfold of the flu will preserve our households and communities secure. Schedule your flu shot at the moment at your native Dignity Well being Medical Group clinic.
