Do you need to catch the flu now?

With the pandemic still in full swing, health officials are advising people to make a flu vaccine a top priority this year. Influenza activity usually occurs between December and February, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), but influenza activity can last as late as May. Experts warn of a “twindemy”, as the overlap of flu season and COVID-19 as hospitals and medical professionals could be overwhelmed with sick people.

“It’s especially important this year to get your flu shot to prevent you from catching the flu while COVID-19 treatments and immunizations are still in development,” said Amy Mullins, MD, medical director for quality and science at the American Academy of Family Physicians, tells Tree Crawler. “The flu is still a very serious disease. If a person were to contract COVID-19 and the flu at the same time, it would not only be harmful, but it could be fatal. ”

People who get the flu vaccine also help boost the herd’s immunity, Mullins says. If enough people in an area are vaccinated against a contagious disease, fewer people become ill because it reduces the chance of the disease spreading through the community.

When should you vaccinate?

Some pharmacies and doctors’ offices reported flu shots as early as July. But getting vaccinated so early can mean you have less protection later in the flu season, especially if you are older.

But if the flu vaccine is now available where you live, it’s not too early to get it.

“You should get the vaccine as soon as it becomes available every fall, but you can also get it at any time during the flu season – usually until March. The sooner the better, so you can be protected longer,” Mullins said.

The CDC advises you to get vaccinated by the end of October. September and October are typically the best months for full season selection.

You may need to start earlier for children who need two doses of the vaccine to be protected. These should be administered about four weeks apart.

Who should be vaccinated?

The CDC recommends that almost everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine, with a few exceptions. It is especially important for health care workers, pregnant women, seniors, and people with underlying medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease.

Because some vaccines are made with chicken eggs, people with egg allergies have often avoided the vaccine. The CDC says that people with mild or moderate egg allergies can get any flu vaccine that is otherwise appropriate for their age and health. Those with severe egg allergy should be vaccinated in a medical setting under the supervision of a physician in case they have a severe allergic reaction. There are also two egg-free vaccines available.

What are the options for flu vaccine this year?

The flu vaccine is changed every year based on the different strains of flu viruses that health experts believe will circulate the next flu season. Typically, influenza A viruses are more common than influenza B viruses, but both cause seasonal infections and are covered in the flu vaccine.

The vaccine is available as a flu shot and a nasal flu spray. The flu mist is approved for people who are 2 to 49 and who are not pregnant. People with certain medical conditions, such as a weakened immune system, should not opt ​​for the spray. There is a high dose vaccine available for those aged 65 and over.

The CDC checks information about the viruses during flu season and provides information on effectiveness during flu season.

Is the flu vaccine safe?

Before they can be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), vaccines must undergo rigorous clinical trials. With the flu vaccine, some people may experience mild side effects such as injection pain, muscle aches, and mild fever.

Much research has investigated the potential harmful effects of the flu vaccine. Most notable research has focused on Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), an inflammatory disorder that can cause muscle weakness and paralysis. Studies have found that about one in every 1 to 2 million people who swinen flu vaccine in the seventies had GBS. The incidence rate with the regular flu vaccine (made with different strains) has since become less clear, according to the World Health Organization.

As for the risk of getting COVID-19 when getting the flu vaccine, the CDC has released safety guidelines for all providers that provide vaccinations. Check to make sure your supplier adheres to these security protocols.

The steps that medical experts recommend to prevent COVID-19, such as social distancing, wearing a mask, and washing your hands, can also be effective in helping reduce the spread of flu, Mullins points out.

Although it has yet to be peer-reviewed, a study in June 2020 found that people with COVID-19 who had received a recent flu vaccine were 8% less likely to need intensive treatment than those who had not received a vaccine. They were 18% less likely to need a fan and 17% less likely to die.

How can you tell the difference between COVID-19 symptoms and flu symptoms?

Although caused by different viruses, the symptoms of the novel coronavirus and the flu may be similar. They include:

• Fever or cold
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Tiredness (fatigue)
• Sore throat
• Running or stuffy nose
• Muscle pain or body aches
• Hollepine
• Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children)

One major difference is that COVID-19 symptoms may include loss of taste or smoke. Because symptoms are so similar, experts say it is important to see or test your doctor when you are sick.