Five Things to Know About the Flu and COVID-19 this Flu Season

Now is the time to timetable and get your influenza (flu) shot and updated COVID-19 booster. Centered on modern infection charges all-around the planet, specialists anticipate that the U.S. will have a lengthier, far more intense flu season than we have noticed in new many years and with COVID-19 variants however triggering people today to grow to be sick, it is a very good concept to remain on major of the hottest boosters. To assist lessen an infection fees and avert negative results from the flu and from COVID-19 this time, the flu shot and COVID-19 booster are really suggested for most individuals.

Right here are 5 things to know about COVID-19 and the 2022 flu year.

1. Why it’s critical to get each the flu shot and COVID-19 booster
   Current COVID-19 boosters and annual flu pictures aid supply security for you, your relatives and mates. Throughout the 2019-2020 flu period alone, the U.S. observed 7.5 million flu sicknesses, 105,000 hospitalizations, and 6,300 fatalities. A flu shot is the ideal protection to reduce the possibility of flu an infection, extreme ailment, hospitalization and loss of life.

   In the same way, there has been an average of 4,753 conditions of COVID-19 documented for each day in California this year. Receiving the annual flu vaccine and the up-to-date COVID booster are the very best means to prevent both of those viruses from spreading to vulnerable populations. These new boosters help to restore protection that has waned because prior vaccination and concentrating on current Omicron variants that are far more transmissible and immune-evading.

2. Who should really get a flu shot and COVID-19 booster
   Every person 6 months and older should really get vaccinated annually for the flu shot. There are selected groups of people today who are extra at chance for the flu, together with people today 65 yrs and older, individuals who have selected chronic healthcare conditions (this sort of as coronary heart illness, diabetic issues, and asthma), expecting females and little ones less than 5 who are at better danger of developing severe flu-connected complications.

   The CDC has proposed the current boosters from Pfizer-BioNTech for older people and children ages 5 yrs and more mature and from Moderna for people today ages 6 many years and older. These COVID-19 boosters are bivalent, meaning they target Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5, and the original pressure of the COVID-19 virus, in a one shot.

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3. When to get a flu shot and COVID-19 booster
   Flu season usually commences in October and peaks between December and February. The CDC endorses having a flu shot between late September and late Oct as it takes about two months for the immunity to kind in your human body. However, it is under no circumstances also late to get the flu shot.

   You can properly get your flu shot and COVID-19 booster at the similar time. Obtaining an up to date booster suggests you are helping to restore your body’s security versus COVID-19, which has lowered because prior vaccination. As a outcome, this delivers broader defense towards more recent variants so acquiring the most current booster as before long as probable is encouraged.

   “Getting vaccinated is a uncomplicated act of kindness mainly because it shields the people today close to you who may be much more susceptible to difficulties from either of these viruses,” says Kelley Brinsky, DO, with Dignity Well being Clinical Group — Sequoia.

4. How do you know if it’s COVID-19 or the flu?
   Considering that both of those COVID-19 and the flu are respiratory diseases, symptoms can be very similar and hard to differentiate. Should you be struggling from flu or COVID-19 symptoms that you think could make you infectious to those people all over you, call your health care provider to assist decide the best class for screening or remedy.

   “Because COVID-19 and the Flu have many of the exact symptoms, it is a excellent idea to get tested for COVID-19 as quickly as you have signs or symptoms,” states Dr. Brinsky.

5. Far more means to steer clear of catching the flu and COVID-19
   There are a variety of ways to lower the threat in acquiring the flu, including incorporating healthy behaviors in your each day plan. The adhering to additional precautionary measures can assistance to cut down the spread of the flu as very well as COVID-19:

   – Cover your mouth all through coughs and sneezes
   – Wash arms often
   – Remain residence if you are sick
   – Keep away from touching your face, nose and mouth

If you have flu or COVID symptoms, you need to speak to your medical professional as before long as attainable. You can reduce signs or symptoms by hydrating and taking in excess of-the-counter suffering medication these as Tylenol and ibuprofen when you start getting signs or symptoms.

“The actions we just take now to assist halt the unfold of the flu will preserve our family members and communities risk-free,” claims Dr. Brinsky. “Staying up-to-date on your vaccinations for flu and COVID-19 is your best protection versus contracting and spreading the flu or COVID-19.”

If you have any issues about indicators you are enduring, you can make a digital visits appointment with your principal treatment company to support figure out treatment. Plan your vaccinations these days by calling your nearby Dignity Well being Healthcare Team clinic.