Now’s the time to schedule and obtain your influenza (flu) shot and up to date COVID-19 booster. Primarily based on latest an infection charges world wide, specialists anticipate that the U.S. could have an extended, extra extreme flu season than now we have seen in recent times and with COVID-19 variants nonetheless inflicting folks to turn out to be sick, it’s a good suggestion to remain on high of the newest boosters. To assist scale back an infection charges and forestall adverse outcomes from the flu and from COVID-19 this season, the flu shot and COVID-19 booster are extremely advisable for most individuals.

Listed here are 5 issues to find out about COVID-19 and the 2022 flu season.

1. Why it’s essential to get each the flu shot and COVID-19 booster
   Up to date COVID-19 boosters and annual flu photographs assist present safety for you, your loved ones and buddies. Throughout the 2019-2020 flu season alone, the U.S. noticed 7.5 million flu diseases, 105,000 hospitalizations, and 6,300 deaths. A flu shot is the perfect protection to scale back the chance of flu an infection, extreme sickness, hospitalization and dying.

   Equally, there was a median of 4,753 circumstances of COVID-19 reported per day in California this yr. Receiving the annual flu vaccine and the up to date COVID booster are the perfect methods to stop each viruses from spreading to weak populations. These new boosters assist to revive safety that has waned since earlier vaccination and concentrating on latest Omicron variants which might be extra transmissible and immune-evading.

2. Who ought to obtain a flu shot and COVID-19 booster
   Everybody 6 months and older ought to get vaccinated yearly for the flu shot. There are particular teams of people who find themselves extra in danger for the flu, together with folks 65 years and older, individuals who have sure power medical situations (reminiscent of coronary heart illness, diabetes, and bronchial asthma), pregnant girls and youngsters below 5 who’re at larger danger of creating severe flu-related issues.

   The CDC has advisable the up to date boosters from Pfizer-BioNTech for adults and youngsters ages 5 years and older and from Moderna for folks ages 6 years and older. These COVID-19 boosters are bivalent, that means they aim Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5, and the unique pressure of the COVID-19 virus, in a single shot.

3. When to get a flu shot and COVID-19 booster
   Flu season sometimes begins in October and peaks between December and February. The CDC recommends getting a flu shot between late September and late October because it takes about two weeks for the immunity to type in your physique. Nevertheless, it’s by no means too late to get the flu shot.

   You may safely get your flu shot and COVID-19 booster on the identical time. Getting an up to date booster means you’re serving to to revive your physique’s safety in opposition to COVID-19, which has decreased since earlier vaccination. Consequently, this supplies broader safety in opposition to newer variants so getting the newest booster as quickly as attainable is inspired.

   “Getting vaccinated is a straightforward act of kindness as a result of it protects the folks round you who could also be extra weak to issues from both of those viruses,” says Kelley Brinsky, DO, with Dignity Well being Medical Group — Sequoia.

4. How have you learnt if it’s COVID-19 or the flu?
   Since each COVID-19 and the flu are respiratory diseases, signs might be related and troublesome to distinguish. Do you have to be affected by flu or COVID-19 symptoms that you simply consider may make you infectious to these round you, contact your physician to assist decide the perfect course for testing or therapy.

   “As a result of COVID-19 and the Flu have most of the identical signs, it’s a good suggestion to get examined for COVID-19 as quickly as you might have signs,” says Dr. Brinsky.

5. Extra methods to keep away from catching the flu and COVID-19
   There are a variety of how to scale back the chance in getting the flu, together with incorporating wholesome habits in your each day routine. The next extra precautionary measures might help to scale back the unfold of the flu in addition to COVID-19:

   – Cowl your mouth throughout coughs and sneezes
   – Wash palms usually
   – Keep dwelling for those who’re sick
   – Keep away from touching your face, nostril and mouth

If in case you have flu or COVID signs, you must contact your physician as quickly as attainable. You may alleviate signs by hydrating and taking over-the-counter ache treatment reminiscent of Tylenol and ibuprofen if you begin having signs.

“The actions we take now to assist cease the unfold of the flu will hold our households and communities protected,” says Dr. Brinsky. “Staying up-to-date in your vaccinations for flu and COVID-19 is your greatest protection in opposition to contracting and spreading the flu or COVID-19.”

If in case you have any questions on signs you’re experiencing, you may make a digital visits appointment along with your main care supplier to assist decide care. Schedule your vaccinations immediately by calling your native Dignity Well being Medical Group clinic.