Last year's influenza season turned out to be the mildest on record, but health experts have renewed warnings that a‘twindemic’ – in which flu and COVID-19 cases simultaneously riseand overwhelm hospitals – may be possible this year, and they urge Americans to get their flu shot.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 1,675 cases of influenza from Sept. 28 to May 22, representing only .2% of specimens tested. But it’s difficult to predict what this year will look like, health experts say.
“We were worried about the ‘twindemic’ last year and we face the same threat this year,” said Dr. Daniel Solomon, a physician in the division of infectious diseases at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “COVID-19 is likely to continue, and we face the threat of dual respiratory viruses that could put a strain on our health care system.”
Here's what you need to know for this year's flu season.
Why get a flu shot?
As students get back toin-person learning and states loosen mask and social distancing mandates amid a return to social gatherings, health expertsworry this year may resemble a more typical flu season.
“Last year, we didn’t have a very big flu season because people were using masks and that decreased the flu season activity,” said Dr. Ricardo Correa, endocrinologist and associate professor of medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. “If we do the same thing this year and we wear masks as much as we can, then the flu season will not hit us as hard as years prior.”
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Who should get a flu shot?
The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a seasonal flu vaccine each year, ideally by the end of October.
Children younger than 5 years old–especially those younger than 2– are at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications. A flu vaccine offers the best defense against flu and its potentially serious consequences and also can reduce the spread of flu to others.
Anyone 65 and older is recommended by the CDC to get a flu shot each year, as well as thosewith a weakened immune system due to disease or cancer.
Pregnant women can receive a flu shot, and those in their third trimester are advised to get the shot as soon as possible.
A full list of at-risk groups who should receive the flu shot is available at the CDC website.
When are flu shots available?
A typical flu season in the U.S. peaks between December and February and can last as late as May, according to the CDC.
The best time to get a flu shot is before the end of October, according to the CDC, but getting vaccinated at any time can still be beneficial.
Can you get both the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine?
CVS and Walgreens offer co-administration of the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines. The CDC reversed previous guidance to wait at least 14 days between the COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines, saying “you can get a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines at the same visit.”
One thing to consider isarm pain management. Expect to get each vaccine in a different arm to help reduce any pain and swelling that might occur, NPR reported.
Does a flu shot protect againstcoronavirus?
While getting the flu shot improves the chances that you won't get the flu, safety measures should still be taken.Distancing, wearing a mask and washing your hands, especially after coughs and sneezes, can improve the chances that you and others will not get the flu — or COVID-19.
A recent article shows that those who received a flu shot were less likely to have severe health complications due to COVID-19, butResearchers didn't find any connection between receiving a flu shot and being less likely to die fromCOVID-19.
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Where can I get a flu shot?
There are a lot of options where to get the flu vaccine, and some of them are free as long as you have health insurance. Flu shots are now available at CVS and Walgreens, the country’s two largest retail pharmacies.Walk-ins are welcome, according to both pharmacies, but save time by scheduling an appointment. Other options include adoctor's office, urgent care, community health centers, hospitals and school campus health centers.
