Flu Shots More Important Than Ever This Year: Flu vaccinations for all family members 6 months and older can prevent serious illness
10/8/2020
Venice, FL, 10/8/2020 – Gulf Coast Medical Group is encouraging everyone aged 6 months and older to get a flu shot this fall. The flu shot is a safe, proven way to lower the risk of getting the flu, which can cause a severe upper respiratory illness. The COVID-19 pandemic makes getting a flu shot, and taking every precaution possible to avoid the flu and other illnesses, even more important this year.
While the flu vaccination will not prevent or protect against COVID-19, it can reduce the impact of flu-related respiratory illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths. And because it is possible to have the flu and COVID-19 at the same time, doctors anticipate that patients with co-infection will likely be sicker and have poorer outcomes.
Lowering the risk of flu also can help prevent a situation that overwhelms the U.S. health system. Surges of COVID-19 patients have already challenged the healthcare system in some communities. If those surges return in the fall and winter, hospitals could be challenged in caring for all of the patients that need medical attention.
“Seasonal influenza can be dangerous, even deadly, and yet it is preventable with a vaccine. Individuals should get the seasonal flu vaccine, stay home when sick, and continue to follow the same protocols that help prevent COVID-19 spread,” said Jeffrey Fraser, D.O., a board-certified family medicine physician and medical director of Gulf Coast Medical Group. “Remember to wash your hands, wear a mask and watch your distance to help prevent the spread of flu, just as it does with the coronavirus.”
Adults with chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease are at greater risk for severe complications from flu. For example, flu can make glucose control more difficult for diabetics, and those with heart disease can have increased risk for another heart attack. Others at high risk for influenza complications include infants and young children, children with neurologic conditions, pregnant women, and adults age 65 years and older.
But healthy people should get flu shots, too, to reduce their risk of getting the flu and also to lower the risk of spreading it to others who are at risk. Flu shots are widely available right now, and in many cases, they are covered by insurance plans. Because flu shots can take a couple of weeks to take effect, doctors recommend getting a flu shot as soon as possible.
Gulf Coast Medical Group is offering flu vaccination for current and new patients. Individuals are advised to get vaccinated between now and early November for the best protection throughout the flu season. As long as flu viruses are circulating, vaccination should continue, even in January or later. Vaccines work with the body’s natural defenses to develop protection from disease.
“Many people may be delaying routine preventive care, like vaccinations, because they are concerned about potential COVID-19 exposure in health care settings,” Dr. Fraser said. “Patients can be assured that our medical practices, urgent care, hospital and emergency department are all very safe places to seek care. We hope that even more people than usual take advantage of the flu vaccine this fall. It’s easy and effective.”
Flu shots are available at all Gulf Coast Medical Group primary care practices and Urgent Care. To find a primary care provider, visit GulfCoastMedicalGroup.com or call (844) 366-9362 to schedule a flu shot.
During the 2019-2020 influenza season, the CDC estimates there were between 39 and 56 million flu illnesses and as many as 700,000 hospitalizations from the flu. But the good news is that a flu shot can protect against illness now and throughout the months ahead. And, here’s more good news:
Precautions that have been adopted to protect against COVID-19 also can help prevent the spread of illnesses like the flu. So, wear a mask when in public, practice social distancing, thoroughly wash hands, maintain cough/sneeze hygiene, and clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
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SOURCES
The Lancet – SARS—CoV-2 and influenza virus co-infection, May 16, 2020 https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)31052-7/fulltext
BMJ Public Health Emergency Collection, Coinfection with SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A virus, July 1, 2020
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7358105/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - https://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm; https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/faq-flu-season-2020-2021.htm
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