Importance of Flu Shots

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• www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/vaccine-benefits.htm

• www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/vaxsupply.htm

• www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pandemic-guidance/index.html

• www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/in-depth/flu-shots/art-20048000

• www.healthline.com/health-news/you-can-get-flu-and-covid19-at-the-same-time

• https://vaccinateyourfamily.org/vaccines-diseases/current-flu-season

• www.cnn.com/2020/09/11/health/covid-flu-together-health-impact/index.html

• www.precisionvaccinations.com/when-should-we-get-flu-shots-year

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When is the flu vaccine recommended?

Influenza vaccination is recommended yearly for everyone 6 months of age and older – even (and especially) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Getting a flu vaccine every year is the best way to help prevent flu and its serious complications. An annual flu vaccination for a child can be lifesaving.

Will the flu vaccine protect you from COVID-19?

Even though getting a flu vaccine will not protect you against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, the vaccine can still reduce your risk of becoming seriously ill from the flu and even dying from it. In addition, getting your flu vaccine will also help keep you out of the hospital, leaving the beds for COVID-19 patients and others who need them.

Can you get sick with COVID-19 and the flu?

The answer is yes. You can get sick with COVID-19 and the flu at the same time.

Concerns Explained

There are concerns in the health field that a coronavirus/flu "twin-demic" could overwhelm the health care system. A more personal concern is, what could it do to your body, trying to fight both viruses at the same time?

This combination could be devastating to your immune system. The flu virus weakens your body and makes you more susceptible to the SarS-CoV-2 virus, and vice versa. It has been noted that, while both illnesses have been linked to pneumonia, the way they damage the lungs is much different. The flu can cause fluid buildup in certain cells in the lungs, while COVID-19 attacks the lungs by producing widespread blood clots in lung blood vessels.

There are actually many reasons to get a flu vaccine each year, not just during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic: Remember, the flu vaccine cannot give you the flu.

It also does not increase your risk of COVID-19. But you might develop flu-like symptoms, despite getting a flu vaccine, for a variety of reasons, including:

Here are some other things you can do to help protect yourself and your loved ones from infectious diseases: