Flu photographs and COVID-19

The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention recommends everybody over 6 months get a flu shot each season with uncommon exceptions.

Dr. Priya Sampathkumar, a Mayo Clinic infectious ailments specialist, says getting vaccinated for the flu is secure. Billions of doses have been given for greater than 80 years to stop flu, cut back signs and shield people who find themselves at greater threat of problems.

“In most locations, flu begins circulating by November, December. So it is really useful that everybody full their flu vaccine by October. And now could be the best time to begin getting the flu vaccine,” she says.

The variety of flu instances this previous yr was low, and well being specialists like Dr. Sampathkumar attribute that to the COVID-19 pandemic and preventive measures that have been put in place to scale back the unfold of COVID-19. Some well being specialists anticipate these flu numbers will rise this season, particularly if individuals do not get their flu shot.

“Final flu season was unbelievable. We had virtually no instances of flu as a result of we have been within the midst of the COVID pandemic. Everybody was being attentive to masking and social distancing. Folks weren’t getting collectively in massive teams. So all of the issues that stop COVID additionally stop flu, and there have been very, only a few flu instances,” she says. “This yr, we’re afraid that with―in numerous locations―masking suggestions being relaxed, that flu will unfold extra simply. And the truth that nobody had flu final yr means there are much more people who find themselves susceptible this yr. So once more, one other excellent purpose to get the flu vaccine.”

She says if you have not been vaccinated for COVID-19 but or want a 3rd dose, you will get your flu shot and get vaccinated for COVID-19 on the similar time.

“It is completely secure to get each on the similar time, which can save lots of people time from getting in and making appointments for 2 various things. So I encourage you, particularly these of you who want a 3rd dose of the COVID vaccine―for those who’re immunosuppressed if you’re getting in to get that―it is best to get your flu vaccine on the similar time,” says Dr. Sampathkumar.

She additionally emphasizes that the flu shot does not shield individuals towards getting contaminated with COVID-19 and getting vaccinated for COVID-19 does not shield individuals towards getting the flu.

“When you get flu, you are weakened by the flu, and also you’re extra seemingly then to have dangerous penalties for those who get COVID. So it is a good suggestion to get the flu vaccine for that purpose. However the flu vaccine itself doesn’t offer you any sort of cross-protection from COVID.”

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