Flu Vaccines More Important During COVID-19 Pandemic
September 14, 2020
Michael Roberts, M.D.
By Michael Roberts, M.D.
Flu season is rapidly approaching. In the United States, influenza cases usually begin increasing in October, and regional activity may wax and wane through the winter months. The arrival of influenza and its complications, hospitalizations, and mortality take on added importance in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic. The symptoms of influenza and COVID-19 can be very similar, particularly early in the course of illness. Fever, cough, shortness of breath and fatigue are all common symptoms of both diseases. Differentiation between the two can be difficult, and typically requires additional testing. It is important to make a distinction between the two because the course of illness and options for treatment can be quite different.
One of the major differences in influenza and COVID-19 is the availability of a vaccine. Influenza vaccines are safe and effective. The CDC currently recommends the influenza vaccine for all persons 6 months of age or older. In spite of safety, efficacy, and CDC recommendation, less than half of all US citizens received a flu vaccine last year. Getting your flu shot decreases your risk of contracting influenza. In those who do contract influenza, patients who have received the influenza vaccine may have a milder case than those who have not. Preventing severe illness and hospitalization from influenza are even more important this year, considering the challenges to our medical system from dealing with COVID-19.
There remains significant uncertainty regarding the convergence of influenza and COVID-19 during this flu season. There is some early evidence that those who contract both diseases at the same time may have a more severe illness, but there have not been enough of such cases to say this with confidence. Available data from the Southern hemisphere, where the influenza season started several months ago, suggest that strategies to decrease the spread of COVID-19 (wearing a mask, social distancing, and good hand hygiene) may also decrease the spread of influenza. We certainly all hope this is the case. Widespread vaccination would further limit the spread of influenza in the United States.
If you typically get the influenza vaccine: Bravo! Don't skip this year. If you typically do not get the vaccine, consider making this the year you start. In short: Get your flu shot. It is a simple, safe, and effective tool in limiting the spread of influenza and its effects on a medical system and a country who are still reeling from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Michael Roberts, M.D., internal medicine specialist and hospitalist with Internal Medicine Associates. He is also EAMC's current Chief of Staff.
COD10 AssetID
243046
External ID
685
Integration Source
COD10
Integration Source URL
https://www.eastalabamahealth.org/news-and-media/flu-vaccines-more-important-during-covid-19-pandemic
