What you should know about flu vaccines this year?
As per experts, flu outbreaks usually occur during the months September-October. However, it is highly unpredictable and anyone can contract it at any time of the year. With COVID-19 still wreaking a lot of havoc in and around the world, flu infections are only going to add more fuel to the fire.
Read more: COVID-19 and flu cases rise: How big can be the threat during the winter season?
The rise in the number of flu cases amid the coronavirus crisis has alarmed experts and health officials around the world. While according to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the case numbers were 'unusually low' last season, it has become extremely rampant this year. Given that people are more relaxed and less vigilant, not only has it led to a rise in COVID-19 cases, but also a sudden spike in flu infections.
Getting your flu shots is more important than ever
Data 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. Besides the decrease in the number of testing, along with the similarities in the symptoms of COVID and flu, doctors believe that masking and social distancing is what curbed the spread of the viruses.
However, currently, experts have observed a sudden spike in the number of flu cases, not just in India but globally.
That said, at a time when both COVID-19 and the flu are taking a severe toll on people's health, getting your vaccines is extremely important.
The stakes are high
Unlike any other flu season, this year, it is a bit different. Not only do we have to battle the severe impact of the novel coronavirus, but we also have to tackle a more serious wave of flu infections.
That said, with experts warning against a possible 'twindemic', getting your flu vaccines on time is the only way to curb the spread of the infection and stay protected against any debilitating symptoms.
This flu season can be a bit unpredictable
Given that wearing masks, maintaining proper hand hygiene, practicing social distancing, all added up to keeping us safe against not just COVID-19, but other respiratory illnesses, the flu cases were extremely low last year. However, now that people are less worried about the virus, more relaxed, the tables have somehow turned, causing a certain rise in other viral illnesses, especially the flu.
Why is getting your flu shot different this year?
Flu viruses tend to mutate. Accordingly, scientists develop an annual influenza vaccine which replicates the flu strains that circulated the year before. The vaccines can be updated frequently, so as to curb the spread of the flu strains existing among people. However, given that COVID-19 has made it hard for people to differentiate between the viruses, the making of the vaccines this year may have been a bit different and trickier.
Read more: How to tell if your long flu case was actually COVID
Having said that, one must still get themselves and convince everyone around them to get vaccinated. No vaccine is 100 percent effective. However, it provides a certain level of immunity that protects against severe illnesses.
You can now get your flu and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time
A lot of people have been wondering whether or not it is safe to get flu shots along with COVID-19 vaccines. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) clarified the matter and said that it is absolutely safe to get both the vaccine doses around the same time, and that getting the two vaccines together does not pose any harm.
While usually people are advised to space out the COVID and flu vaccines, there is now no need for that, as per experts.
Start a Conversation
Post comment