Flu season is right around the corner, and medical experts say it’s especially important to get your flu shot this year during a pandemic. As WHQR reports, getting everyone vaccinated means overall lower rates of infection.
On average, seasonal flu causes up to 36,000 deaths a year in the US. And this year, flu on top of Covid-19 has the medical community worried this dual-threat will further strain the healthcare system.
Here’s Dr. Paul Kamitsuka, an epidemiologist with New Hanover Regional Medical Center:
“If we go into the season with everybody who should be vaccinated, and in addition to wearing masks, using hand hygiene and social distancing, then we would be in a much stronger position of being able to weather the flu season as well as the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.”
But he says too many people aren’t getting vaccinated:
“Only about 48% of Americans get the flu shot so that if we boost that up to as close to 100% as possible, that will definitely help in terms of protecting the safety of all us.”
Dr. Kamitsuka is also concerned about people’s feelings about a future vaccine for Covid-19:
“Polls, unfortunately, suggest that maybe a third or more people, even if there was a safe and effective Covid vaccine would not get it. We don’t know what percent is exactly needed for this virus yet, but most would suggest it has to be at least 70% of the population.”
To get a flu shot, check with your local pharmacy or doctor’s office.
Resources:
- Click here to find out similarities and differences between Flu and Covid-19
- Click here to find out about how to protect your health during Flu season
- Vaccine finder
- Click here for to view Frequently Asked Influenza (Flu) Questions for the 2020-2021 Season
- NC Department of Health and Human Services Information on the Seasonal Flu