Even during a typical year, doctors urge those 6 months and older to get a flu shot. This year it’s especially important because Covid 19 and influenza are both respiratory diseases that can cause serious enough symptoms to require hospitalization. Although the flu vaccine is not treatment for coronavirus nor can it prevent Covid 19, it does provide the opportunity to keep the general population healthier this cold and flu season.
What you should know about the flu, Covid 19 and vaccinations
- Influenza and Covid 19 are different viruses, but both cause respiratory symptoms that, at their worst, can require hospitalization.
- Those with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma and heart disease are vulnerable to both influenza and Covid 19.
- Women who are pregnant can reduce their risk of becoming seriously ill with the flu and protect their unborn babies from flu-related health issues by getting vaccinated.
- There is some evidence that a flu vaccine MAY help reduce the long-term complications some Covid 19 survivors have experienced.
- The flu vaccine MAY help lessen the risk of developing serious Covid symptoms.
- Flu vaccinations will likely reduce some of the burden on hospitals by protecting people from the most serious flu symptoms.
- Pregnant women can safely receive a flu vaccination.
- Everyone benefits from a flu shot and you cannot get the flu from the vaccination.
Many of the same medical conditions that lead to complications due to flu are causing people to become seriously ill from Covid-19. With both illness spreading this winter, hospitals could be heavily burdened with those fighting respiratory illness. The more people who are vaccinated, the better chance we have as a community to reduce the burden on our health care system.
If you have questions or concerns about getting a flu vaccine or whether you are at risk for serious illness due to the flu or Covid 19, contact our doctors today.