Do not skip getting a flu shot this year
Between 12,000 and 61,000 people die from influenza each year in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control. This year, with the COVID-19 pandemic continuing as the flu season looms, getting a flu shot is more important now than ever.
“In China and in South America, it was discovered that you can get COVID-19 and influenza at the same time,” explains Dr. Donald Beno, pediatrician at Aurora BayCare Medical Center in Green Bay, WI. “We now know that with those two illnesses, the outcomes are much worse when you have both illnesses at the same time.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, if you contract the flu and COVID-19 at the same time, you may also be contagious for a longer period of time, furthering the chance of spreading both to other individuals if precautions and prevention measures are not taken. The annual flu shot is available now.
“Masking will certainly help to keep respiratory droplets from transmitting both COVID-19 and the flu, as well as the common cold,” says Dr. Beno. “And as we all know, diligent handwashing will also help prevent the transmission of illnesses.”
You shouldn’t let COVID-19 keep you from seeking the health care you need, including getting routine immunizations and the influenza vaccine. Read how Advocate Aurora Health is taking additional steps to keep you safe with its Safe Care Promise.
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health enews staff is a group of experienced writers from our Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care sites, which also includes freelance or intern writers.
Only thing I wanted from article was when flu shots are available.
No info.
I am 82 yrs old and a pt. of Dr. D. Olmsted. I received my F. Vaccines in March . When and where can I get my booster vaccine since it is indicated for my age.