Is it possible to contract the flu twice in a single year? We decode

The sudden rise in the number of flu cases has alarmed people around the world. Just as the COVID-19 cases witnessed a deep plunge, the flu and other respiratory illnesses have wreaked more havoc than ever. Amid such chaos, experts and medical professionals continue to urge people to get their flu shots. Given the circumstances and considering how virulent the influenza virus has gotten currently, there's a high chance you could get the flu twice in one season.

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The significant decline in the number of COVID-19 cases is surely a relief to many. However, considering people have become more relaxed and less vigilant, it has only given rise to other viral infections like the flu.

As per the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu cases during the 2020-2021 season was "unusually low". The officials attributed it to the nationwide lockdowns, quarantine policies, mask mandates, social distancing, immediate COVID testing, maintenance of proper hygiene - all of which played a crucial role in curbing the rise in the case numbers.

However, things have changed and this year or this flu season, some have even been experiencing the "worst cold ever." This, according to experts, can cause a possible "twindemic", a serious concern reigning over officials from all over the world.

Getting your flu shot has become more important than ever. Just like the novel coronavirus, flu is a contagious respiratory illness that can lead to mild to moderate infections and in some cases can even prove fatal.

Clinical evidence suggests that in 2020, the total number of flu cases was 2,752 with 44 deaths as opposed to 28,798 cases and 1,218 deaths in 2019. The drop in the number of cases attributes to the decrease in the number of testing, masking and social distancing.

However, the current state of affairs only highlights a sudden spike in the number of flu cases, not just in India but globally, which is why it is important to receive your flu vaccines now!

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Apart from the fact that you may contract the flu infection, there's a high chance you may get it twice in a row. Why is it so? Let us find out.

There are four different types of the flu namely influenza A, B, C, and D. Influenza type A and B are the seasonal flu that arises during a particular season. Once you get infected with any of the two strains, you're likely to develop antibodies against it and the possibility of re-infection with the same virus may be low.

However, you can get infected with a different strain of influenza, and the antibodies you developed from the first infection may not provide you protection against the other strains.

While two flu outbreaks overlap one another, raising your possibilities of catching the flu infection twice, the chances of you catching the flu virus twice may still be rare.

The best way to avoid catching the flu or developing severe complications is by getting a flu vaccine if you haven't already. Unlike COVID-19 vaccines, flu shots should be taken every year. Although you may still contract the virus, you're much more likely to experience only mild to moderate symptoms.

Apart from that, continue wearing your mask, maintain good hand hygiene and follow COVID-appropriate behaviour including social distancing.