Scientists warned of a “perfect storm” on the horizon as the annual flu season is set to mix with the COVID-19 pandemic. But there’s one piece of advice — get your flu shot.
What’s going on:
A group of scientists recently said in an article for Science magazine that COVID-19 and the influenza will create a “perfect storm.” But getting your flu vaccine can help top stop that storm.
- “We do not yet have a COVID-19 vaccine, but safe and moderately effective influenza vaccines are available. Their widespread use is more important now than ever, and we encourage health care providers, employers, and community leaders to promote vaccination,” the authors wrote.
The scientists said vaccine effectiveness can change from season to season. But it often helps against hospitalization, which is a key issue with the coronavirus pandemics, the authors said.
With @StatePharmacy we are engaging in @NCSLorg #NCSLbc this week to work alongside state legislators in communicating the importance of the #fluvaccine to prevent a perfect storm of flu and #COVID19. #PharmacistFluFighters are here to help. Learn more: https://t.co/wzBqrOo6yU pic.twitter.com/5xMBAlrjHx
— NACDS (@NACDS) September 15, 2020
Hospitals need to remain under control in order to treat those who suffer from COVID-19, the authors said.
- “Vaccine effectiveness varies by season and subtype, but vaccination offers similar protection against laboratory-confirmed influenza hospitalization and outpatient illness.”
When should you get your flu vaccine shot?
Experts across the world have explained that people should get their flu vaccine early — but wait no longer than October.
- Dr. Miriam Alexander, with LifeBridge Health, recently told WBAL-TV 11: “The reason for that is the flu shot seems to only work for about six months and we always have quite a lot of flu in our communities in March. We want to make sure people are protected against the flu in March.”
Dr. Anthony Fauci said he would get his vaccine “toward the middle and end of October.”