News Update Viral

Now’s the time to schedule and obtain your influenza (flu) vaccine and up to date COVID-19 booster. Based mostly on latest an infection charges around the globe, consultants anticipate that the US could have an extended and extra extreme flu season than we now have seen lately and with variants of COVID-19 nonetheless remaining. they make folks sick, it is a good suggestion to stay round along with the newest reinforcements. To assist cut back an infection charges and stop damaging flu and COVID-19 outcomes this season, the flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster are extremely really helpful for most individuals.

Listed below are 5 issues to find out about COVID-19 and the 2022 flu season.

1. Why it is essential to get each the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 booster
   Up to date COVID-19 boosters and annual flu pictures assist present safety for you, your loved ones, and mates. In the course of the 2019-2020 flu season alone, the US recorded 7.5 million flu circumstances, 105,000 hospitalizations, and 6,300 deaths. A flu vaccine is one of the best protection to cut back the chance of flu an infection, critical sickness, hospitalization, and demise.

   Equally, there was a median of 4,753 reported COVID-19 circumstances per day in California this 12 months. Getting the annual flu vaccine and the up to date COVID booster are one of the best methods to forestall each viruses from spreading to susceptible populations. These new boosters assist restore safety that has diminished for the reason that earlier vaccination and goal latest Omicron variants which might be extra transmissible and immunoevasive.

2. Who ought to get a flu shot and a COVID-19 booster
   Everybody over the age of 6 months ought to get a yearly flu shot. There are particular teams of people who find themselves extra vulnerable to getting the flu, together with folks age 65 and older, individuals who have sure continual medical circumstances (comparable to coronary heart illness, diabetes, and bronchial asthma), pregnant ladies, and youngsters youthful than 5 years of age. They’re at greater danger of creating critical flu-related problems.

   The CDC has really helpful the up to date boosters from Pfizer-BioNTech for adults and youngsters 5 years and older and from Moderna for folks 6 years and older. These COVID-19 boosters are bivalent, that means they aim Omicron’s BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants, and the father or mother pressure of the COVID-19 virus, in a single injection.

3. When to get a flu shot and a COVID-19 booster
   Flu season normally begins in October and peaks between December and February. The CDC recommends getting a flu shot between late September and late October, as immunity takes about two weeks to construct in your physique. Nonetheless, it is by no means too late to get a flu shot.

   You will get the flu shot and the COVID-19 booster on the identical time. Getting an up to date booster means you might be serving to to revive your physique’s safety in opposition to COVID-19, which has diminished for the reason that earlier vaccination. Because of this, this offers broader safety in opposition to newer variants, so it is really helpful to get the newest increase as quickly as potential.

   “Getting vaccinated is a straightforward act of kindness as a result of it protects the folks round you who could also be extra susceptible to problems from any of those viruses,” says Kelley Brinsky, DO, with Dignity Well being Medical Group – Sequoia.

4. know whether it is COVID-19 or flu?
   Since each COVID-19 and the flu are respiratory diseases, the signs could be comparable and tough to inform aside. When you’ve got signs of the flu or COVID-19 that you just suppose might make you infectious to these round you, contact your physician to assist decide one of the best course of testing or remedy.

   “As a result of COVID-19 and the flu have most of the identical signs, it is a good suggestion to get examined for COVID-19 as quickly as you will have signs,” says Dr. Brinsky.

5. Extra Methods to Keep away from Getting the Flu and COVID-19
   There are a number of methods to cut back your danger of getting the flu, together with incorporating wholesome habits into your each day routine. The next further precautionary measures will help cut back the unfold of the flu and COVID-19:

   – Cowl your mouth when coughing and sneezing
   – Wash arms steadily
   – Keep residence if you’re sick
   – Keep away from touching your face, nostril and mouth.

When you’ve got flu or COVID signs, you need to contact your physician as quickly as potential. You possibly can ease signs by hydrating and taking over-the-counter ache relievers like Tylenol and ibuprofen while you begin to have signs.

“The actions we take now to assist cease the unfold of flu will preserve our households and communities secure,” says Dr. Brinsky. “Maintaining together with your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations is your finest protection in opposition to getting and spreading the flu or COVID-19.”

When you’ve got any questions concerning the signs you might be experiencing, you possibly can schedule a digital go to appointment together with your major care supplier to assist decide care. Schedule your vaccinations right this moment by calling your native Dignity Well being Medical Group clinic.