Health experts from different parts of the world are urging people not to miss their yearly flu shots this year as COVID-19 is around. The new cases of coronavirus are surging again in major parts of the world including the United States which is a warning sign that the pandemic is not over yet. That’s why people have to be extra careful and follow the safety precautions to avoid coronavirus and all other pathogens to be healthy.
The flu season is here and many people are still hesitant to get their flu shots, fearing that it might expose them to a positive patient. while others are concerned if flu shots will save them from COVID-19 or not. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that there is no link between flu shot and coronavirus. In addition to this, the Alabama Department of Public Health has issued a statement explaining how a flu shot will save people from seasonal flu and not coronavirus.
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In a social media post, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) described how coronavirus and flu virus are two separate pathogens that cause two different infections which show similar symptoms. It also explained that getting protection against one doesn’t guarantee protection against the other which is why flu shots will only save you from influenza.
Not many people know that the seasonal flu affects millions of people worldwide and thousands of them end up at hospitals giving up their lives to flu complications. Considering the widespread of coronavirus, if the seasonal flu cased emerged, there is a high chance that most of the patients would not get the medical facilities that they require. It may end up leading to extreme complications and death too, in worst cases.
For this reason, many health experts are referring to this year’s fall season as a potential Twindemic season where two major pandemics, COVID-19 and flu are highly likely to emerge side by side.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) suggests everyone gets flu vaccination before the season starts and even if it is here, it is never too late. The antibodies inside the vaccine take at least two weeks to start protecting the body from the flu virus which may be spread in your local community.
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The recommendations on flu management shared by CDC suggest everyone get their annual flu shots by the end of October. Getting the flu shots during this on-going COVID-19 pandemic is highly desirable for the following categories.
- Children above six months of age
- Young children
- Pregnant and nursing mothers
- People with underlying health conditions
- People older than 65 years of age
- People who work in the healthcare sector
- People who work in caregiving groups and organizations
There are generally no side effects of flu shots. However, some people may experience mild aftereffects such as redness, pain, soreness, and swelling on the site of injection. Some people may also develop a fever, diarrhea, or nausea after getting yearly flu shots. These symptoms go away on their own without requiring medical help.
