The flu season is here, and the COVID-19 pandemic is still wreaking havoc in the country. The cumulative COVID-19 cases to date in Orange County have just surpassed 78,553, and US deaths have just passed 2,68,000. Keeping these numbers in mind, health officials have been emphasizing that it is more crucial than ever to get a flu shot this year. From taking vitamin supplements to undergoing dietary changes and taking immunity boosters, people have been following all kinds of precautions to shield themselves from the virus. However, doctors have been also stressing the importance of getting a flu shot to safeguard yourself from the viral infection and lower the risk of contracting COVID-19.
Here is everything you need to know about getting a flu shot during COVID-19.
The Coronavirus pandemic has already burdened the healthcare system. Hospitals and emergency rooms are crowded beyond their capacity. Even though influenza (the flu) is a different respiratory virus than COVID, a surge in flu cases and the resulting need for hospitalization will only make the situation worse. According to the CDC, there are 140,000 – 810,000 influenza hospitalizations annually in the US since 2010. If these numbers are to repeat this year as well, imagine the burden it would place on the health system.
Studies also show that it is possible to test positive for influenza and COVID-19 at the same time. If this happens, it will be very difficult for your immune system to fight both the viruses at once. It will put you at risk for severe complications such as lung damage, other prolonged illnesses, or even death.
There is a possibility that flu patients may be more susceptible to contracting COVID-19. Getting a flu shot will help your body make antibodies that combat certain influenza strains, reducing the risk of flu by almost 50%. While a flu vaccine cannot prevent COVID-19, it can help your body stay stronger by reducing the odds of getting seriously ill with the flu, so it can better fight off a coronavirus infection if it has to.
COVID-19 and the flu share a host of symptoms such as cough, fever, and sore throat, the incubation period is similar at roughly 3-5 days. According to experts, it is possible to get the flu and COVID-19 at the same time. Since both are respiratory viruses, having one illness could make you susceptible to developing the other. Also, once you are infected with the flu or any other respiratory virus, it weakens your immune system, thereby making you more vulnerable to get a second infection.
With schools reopening and the COVID-19 pandemic still looming across the country, children will be exposed at large. With the presence of COVID-19, even if your child develops flu symptoms, they will have to miss their classes and go into quarantine. To prevent such a situation, it is best to get your child a flu shot this year for their overall safety. Doctors recommend getting your child vaccinated by the end of October. Children aged 6 months through 8 years who have never received a flu vaccination before, will need 2 doses, administered at least 4 weeks apart. Children aged 9 and above, and children who have had one or more doses of the seasonal influenza vaccine in the past, will only need one dose.
Seniors are at high risk of developing severe influenza complications, making it imperative for them to get a flu shot this year. If you are aged 65 years or above and looking to get a flu shot, doctors may recommend a flu vaccination designed specifically for seniors, such as High-Dose Flu Vaccine or Adjuvanted Flu Vaccine. Both these vaccines are designed to augment the immune system response in seniors, thereby reducing infection risk.
Regardless of your age and how healthy you are, it is important to get a flu shot. Being young and healthy does not guarantee protection against influenza. Flu is a respiratory virus that comes abruptly and can cause mild to serious complications in people of all age groups. Getting a flu shot will not only safeguard you from influenza and its complications but will also prevent you from spreading the flu to those around you who are more vulnerable.
The flu season in the United States usually reaches its peak between December and February. To be best prepared, health officials recommend getting a flu shot during September and October. Getting the flu shot earlier than September might have lesser value since the shot's effectiveness can decrease over time. Those who haven't got vaccinated, it's not too late for them yet. They can get vaccinated even now, to decrease their chances of not contracting the flu virus.
Owing to the Coronavirus exposure risk, and in compliance with social distancing and other precautionary measures, places such as schools, churches, and workplaces may not be able to offer shots this year. You can book an appointment with your healthcare provider or head to a pharmacy or urgent care center near you. You can stop by at our urgent care clinic to get your flu vaccination. Keeping your safety as our topmost priority, our center has all preparations for COVID-19 prevention in place.
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Dr. Bunten is originally from Huntington Beach, CA. He attended high school in Tokyo, Japan, went to college at UC San Diego and then to medical school in the Midwest. He returned home to California for residency training in Family Medicine at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. His immediate family all reside in Huntington Beach.
Dr Fishbein has been in the practice of family medicine for over 35 years in Irvine. He received his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University, medical degree from Chicago Medical School, and completed his family medicine residency at Memorial Hospital of Long Beach.
Dr. Kim is the Medical Director of Family Care Centers, Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Hoag Hospital, and a recipient of the Physicians of Excellence award from the Orange County Medical Association. He is Board Certified in Family Medicine, and has been practicing in our community for over 20 years.
Dr. Memon is a board certified Family Medicine physician and recently completed her fellowship in Geriatrics at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center. She attended Saint George’s University, School of Medicine and completed her residency at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. Her interest in medicine started at an early age and has since evolved into a passionate career.
Dr. Gina Nguyen obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Irvine where she graduated Suma Cum Laude. She went to USC Keck School of Medicine, and returned to UC Irvine for a Family Medicine Residency. Since 2005, she worked at Kaiser Permanente, VNCOC, and Family Care Center Urgent Care.
Dr. Williams is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine. He is a native to Orange County and returned home after completing his medical degree at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. After completing his residency in family practice he successfully completed a fellowship in sports medicine.
Dr. Hye Lee is a board-certified Family Practice Physician, affiliated with the American Osteopathic Association and the American College of Osteopathic Family Practice.She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Riverside and earned her medical degree from Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center. Afterward, she did her internship at Downey Regional Medical Center in California and has been a primary care physician since 2005.
Dr. Coyne is a board certified family practice physician and a California native. He completed his undergraduate degree at UCLA before earning his medical degree at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Dr Coyne spent 6 years in the US Air Force at Andrews and Luke Air Force bases, eventually separating as a Major. He enjoys working with patients of all ages.”
Dr. Jay Friehling is a Family Practice physician who has worked in Orange County since 1981. Born in Florida, he received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and then earned a Medical Degree at the New York Medical College.” His healthcare interests include Diabetes, Geriatric Care, and Hospice Care.
Dr. Jennifer Shoquist is board certified in Family Medicine. Her special interest is woman’s health and her practice accepts patients from 6 years old to seniors. Dr. Shoquist received her M.D. degree at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston in Houston, Texas, and did her residency with Memorial Family Practice at memorial Southwest Hospital in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Tom is a board certified family medicine physician and native Californian. He received his bachelors of science with great distinction in biochemistry and honors in chemistry. Dr. Tom was awarded a Regents Scholarship to attend medical school at UC Irvine.
Dr. Yan attended Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her Family Practice residency at Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, California. She joined Family Care Center in 2001. She chose Family Practice because she enjoys working with a wide variety of people and because it provides a unique opportunity for continuing care.
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