As our country grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, a potentially dangerous season is beginning: flu season. The threat of the pandemic will become more complicated by increasing cases of the flu, making more people ill and putting further strain on the U.S. health care system.
Dr. Emily Godbout, epidemiologist and infectious disease specialist, offers five crucial reasons everyone should get a flu shot this year.
Watch the full interview with Dr. Godbout:
While some people who get vaccinated may still contract influenza, the flu shot typically prevents about 70 of 100 people who receive it from developing a moderate to severe flu infection. So even though the vaccine might not completely prevent the flu, it can help keep you from getting sick enough that you have to go to the hospital.
“Reducing the overall burden of respiratory illnesses is really important to help protect vulnerable populations at risk for severe disease,” says Dr. Godbout, “And it also helps lessen the resulting burden on our health care system, which is crucial throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Godbout adds that while practices people follow to help guard against COVID-19, such as handwashing, social distancing and wearing masks, will probably help decrease the spread of influenza, the flu shot is still the single most effective way to reduce the spread of the flu.
“The flu shot is very safe and effective at helping prevent severe disease and hospitalization,” Dr. Godbout confirms. “I know people might have reservations about coming into the doctor’s office, but I can assure everyone that our providers are really vigilant about taking appropriate precautions to make sure everyone is safe.”
It’s also reassuring to know that you will not contract influenza from the vaccine. “The virus is inactivated,” adds Dr. Godbout, “so it can’t actually cause the flu infection after you get the shot.”
Flu shots are recommended for anyone six months old and older.
“The U.S. flu vaccine is reviewed every single year and updated to match circulating flu viruses,” explains Dr. Godbout. “The flu vaccine can typically protect against three or four different viruses. Since the virus changes from year to year, immunization or natural infection from the previous year is not protective."
She also stresses that our antibody response — what helps us fight the virus — can decrease over time, so a yearly dose will help boost the antibody response before the start of the influenza season.
It’s important to know that some symptoms of COVID-19 and influenza are similar. If you have symptoms you are concerned about, it’s best to call your health care provider right away. You may need to be tested for both the flu and COVID-19 to be certain what is causing you to be sick, so your doctor can recommend the best course of treatment.
While having the flu shot doesn't mean you can't get the flu, as discussed above, a vaccination will at least lessen the severity of your symptoms — giving you and your loved ones peace of mind.
Reducing the spread of flu cases overall, by getting vaccinated, will help cut down on the number of seriously ill patients that clinics and hospitals need to diagnose and treat, which will help everyone get through the winter season more easily.
Now is the best time to get vaccinated, as it takes a couple of weeks for antibodies to develop in your body. The vaccination will continue to protect you throughout the worst months of the flu season.
“It’s a great idea to get the flu shot right before flu season, so September and October are really good times to get vaccinated,” Dr. Godbout recommends. "We will continue to offer the flu shot throughout the fall and winter, but ideally we want to see people get it by the end of October.”
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