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It’s better to prepare for the flu season than not. A flu infection can cause severe illness and complications. The seasonal flu sweeps through the country each year and infects thousands of people along the way. You should do what’s necessary to prevent catching the flu especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This time around you have to protect yourself from two different threats at the same time.
When Should You Get the Flu Vaccine
It’s good practice to get the flu vaccine every year, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting your shot between early September and late October. The influenza viruses are detected throughout the year, typically starting in September and lasting through the spring, when it spreads quickly through communities. The flu season generally hit a peak between December and February. Getting the flu vaccine before September puts you at risk of being vulnerable to an infection because the protection is diminished before the conclusion of the flu season. A two-week window is needed for the body to produce enough antibodies from the flu vaccine to protect you from the flu infection. You make yourself vulnerable to the flu infection when the flu shot is administered early. In the event of a long flu season, the flu shot can be given through winter to early spring.
Can Flu, Other Respiratory Illnesses, and COVID-19 Occur Together?
Are you thinking about the possibility of getting the flu, other respiratory illnesses, and COVID-19 at the same? It may seem far-fetched, but it’s possible. Coinfection of this nature is rare and the likelihood low. Researchers recently conducted screening studies that report the occurrence of COVID-19-influenza coinfection and concluded that screening of patients is necessary to diagnose co-infection and to make a determination regarding the proper estimate of how often respiratory illnesses co-infection can occur. While COVID-19 and influenza have shared symptoms, diagnostic testing can make it easier to tell the difference between COVID-19 and the flu.
Does the Flu Shot Provide Any Protection Against COVID-19?
While bearing some symptomatic similarities, COVID-19 and flu infection are not the same illness. The flu vaccine doesn’t provide any immunity from COVID-19 and is strictly for immunization against influenza viruses. Getting the flu vaccine before showing signs of COVID-19 can help doctors make a correct diagnosis of your illness. If you suspect you have symptoms of COVID-19 it is important to schedule a telemedicine screening and COVID-19 testing.
Flu Shots & COVID-19 Testing in Natick, MA
Do not make the mistake of not preparing for the flu season. Visit AFC Urgent Care Natick for COVID-19 diagnostic or antibody testing to see if you are immune from the virus due to previous exposure. To schedule a COVID-19 diagnostic or antibody test, please call 508-650-6208.
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