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, consultants anticipate that the U.S. could have an extended, extra extreme flu season than we’ve seen in recent times and with COVID-19 variants nonetheless inflicting individuals to grow to be sick, it’s a good suggestion to remain on prime of the newest boosters. To assist scale back an infection charges and stop unfavourable outcomes from the flu and from COVID-19 this season, the flu shot and COVID-19 booster are extremely advisable for most individuals.
Listed here are 5 issues to learn about COVID-19 and the 2022 flu season.
- Why it’s necessary to get each the flu shot and COVID-19 booster
Up to date COVID-19 boosters and annual flu pictures assist present safety for you, your loved ones and buddies. Throughout the 2019-2020 flu season alone, the U.S. noticed 7.5 million flu diseases, 105,000 hospitalizations, and 6,300 deaths. A flu shot is the perfect protection to scale back the chance of flu an infection, extreme sickness, hospitalization and loss of life.Equally, there was a mean of 4,753 instances of COVID-19 reported per day in California this yr. Receiving the annual flu vaccine and the up to date COVID booster are the perfect methods to forestall each viruses from spreading to weak populations. These new boosters assist to revive safety that has waned since earlier vaccination and concentrating on current Omicron variants which are extra transmissible and immune-evading.
- 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 specific teams of people who find themselves extra in danger for the flu, together with individuals 65 years and older, individuals who have sure continual medical situations (akin to coronary heart illness, diabetes, and bronchial asthma), pregnant ladies and kids below 5 who’re at greater threat of growing severe flu-related problems.The CDC has advisable the up to date boosters from Pfizer-BioNTech for adults and kids ages 5 years and older and from Moderna for individuals 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.
- 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 type in your physique. Nonetheless, 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 identical time. Getting an up to date booster means you might be serving to to revive your physique’s safety towards COVID-19, which has decreased since earlier vaccination. In consequence, this gives broader safety towards newer variants so getting the newest booster as quickly as doable is inspired.
“Getting vaccinated is a straightforward act of kindness as a result of it protects the individuals round you who could also be extra weak to problems from both of those viruses,” says Kelley Brinsky, DO, with Dignity Well being Medical Group — Sequoia.
- How are you aware if it’s COVID-19 or the flu?
Since each COVID-19 and the flu are respiratory diseases, signs may be comparable and troublesome to distinguish. Must you be affected by flu or COVID-19 symptoms that you simply imagine may make you infectious to these round you, contact your physician to assist decide the perfect course for testing or remedy.“As a result of COVID-19 and the Flu have lots of the identical signs, it’s a good suggestion to get examined for COVID-19 as quickly as you have got signs,” says Dr. Brinsky.
- Extra methods to keep away from catching the flu and COVID-19
There are a selection of the way to scale back the chance in getting the flu, together with incorporating wholesome habits in your day by day routine. The next further precautionary measures will help to scale back the unfold of the flu in addition to COVID-19:– Cowl your mouth throughout coughs and sneezes
– Wash palms typically
– Keep house in case you’re sick
– Keep away from touching your face, nostril and mouth
In case you have flu or COVID signs, you must contact your physician as quickly as doable. You may alleviate signs by hydrating and taking over-the-counter ache treatment akin to Tylenol and ibuprofen if you begin having signs.
“The actions we take now to assist cease the unfold of the flu will maintain our households and communities protected,” 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.”
In case you have any questions on signs you might be experiencing, you can also make a digital visits appointment together with your main care supplier to assist decide care. Schedule your vaccinations at present by calling your native Dignity Well being Medical Group clinic.
