Are you worried about getting sick this winter? So, are we! This year, we have more than just the flu and COVID-19 to worry about. Recently, there has been an outbreak of “monkeypox,” in several states. What’s next?!
As we approach the winter holidays, we want you to stay informed and to take extra precautions against these viruses. Here we’ll share updates about these three viruses, and how to protect yourself from them. AFC Urgent Care Danbury now offers the quadrivalent flu shot and we’re here to guide you this flu season so you can avoid getting sick this winter.
New Updates For The Flu Vaccine In 2022
The CDC has information and updates for the flu vaccine in 2022 that you should know:
- The egg-based H1N1 vaccine component was updated from an A/Brisbane/02/2018 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus to an A/Guangdong-Maonan/SWL1536/2019 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus.
- The cell- or recombinant-based H1N1 vaccine component was updated from an A/Brisbane/02/2018 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus to an A/Hawaii/70/2019 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus.
- The egg-based H3N2 vaccine component was updated from an A/Kansas/14/2017 (H3N2)-like virus to an A/Hong Kong/2671/2019 (H3N2)-like virus.
- The cell- or recombinant-based H3N2 vaccine component was updated from an A/Kansas/14/2017 (H3N2)-like virus to an A/Hong Kong/45/2019 (H3N2)-like virus.
- The B/Victoria lineage vaccine component was updated from a B/Colorado/06/2017 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus to a B/Washington/02/2019 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus.
- The B/Yamagata lineage vaccine component was not updated
- For the 2022-2023 flu season, there are three flu vaccines that are preferentially recommended for people 65 years and older. These are Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent vaccine, Flublok Quadrivalent recombinant flu vaccine and Fluad Quadrivalent adjuvanted flu vaccine.
Do I Need To Get Both The COVID-19 Booster And The Flu shot?
Last year, masks were still a requirement for travel and to attend most events. However, these restrictions have become more relaxed in the past couple of months making it (yet again) a potential threat for the upcoming holiday season. Now is not the time to avoid getting vaccinated for both COVID and the flu. Afterall, symptoms overlap and you don’t want to spread it to your loved ones, especially when hosting an event or flying on a plane.
We highly suggest getting both of the vaccines before the flu season starts because they’re designed to protect you from the flu and COVID-19. The good news is The CDC says you can get both at the same time. There is no reason to skip out or space out on either vaccine! You can get both and have peace of mind this winter.
Don’t make the same mistake we did last year because we all remember how that turned out. Remain vigilant. The Omicron variant canceled our favorite winter holidays for most of us.
What is Monkeypox and will it be the latest virus to ruin my Holidays?
COVID and the flu are not the only virus to worry about anymore. In recent months, the CDC has reported an outbreak of Monkeypox in the U.S. You shouldn’t underestimate this virus or stereotype it either. It is highly contagious and easily transmissible no matter the gender or nationality. It can easily be transmitted like COVID and Flu through respiratory droplets, or by hugging, kissing, sharing personal items and even sex.
The most common symptoms of Monkeypox are:
- Rash or Lesions (the most obvious symptom)
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Backaches
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- Exhaustion
The point is…it is a virus you don’t want to get. Stay informed with the CDC guidelines about Monkeypox here.
Now Offering The Quadrivalent Flu Shot at AFC Urgent Care Danbury
If you or a loved one is worried about the flu you can come to our AFC urgent care center any day of the week, at 100 Mill Plain road in Danbury, CT. We also have 2 other great locations serving the Greater Danbury area on 2 Main st. and 76c Newtown road.
We also offer ongoing COVID-19 testing just in case there is a resurgence this winter and to give you peace of mind when visiting loved ones during the holiday. AFC in Danbury accepts most insurances and also offers COVID-19 testing 7 days a week. Walk-in or make an appointment online, today!
For information on the latest COVID booster and the Monkey Pox vaccine locations, please visit your local pharmacy or check the CT state dph website for a link to available locations.
