With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s flu season is expected to be a challenging time for Americans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that the flu, a respiratory illness, has caused 140,000 – 810,000 hospitalizations and 12,000 – 61,000 deaths in the U.S. each year since 2010. In past seasons, it has been capable of overwhelming health care systems on its own.
But now with the threat of COVID-19 coinciding with the flu this year, health officials are strongly encouraging folks to get the vaccine — especially those with certain health conditions, adults over 65, essential workers, frontline health care workers and many others.
We all take small steps every day to protect ourselves and those we love, including wearing a face mask, bike helmet, and seatbelt. To prevent the spread of the flu in our communities, the West Virginia Immunization Network is encouraging those six months of age and older to get the flu vaccine this year. It’s just one more thing you can do to keep safe.
Here are three risks to be aware of during this upcoming flu season.
1. Flu can begin circulating as early as October.
Like other vaccines, flu vaccination is most effective if you have been vaccinated before you are exposed to the virus. Since flu activity often begins in October, the CDC recommends all eligible persons to get the flu vaccine before the end of October. Most of the time flu activity peaks between December and February, although activity can last as late as May, so getting your flu vaccine before the end of October helps to ensure that you are protected before influenza begins circulating in your community and throughout the rest of the season.
2. Many people who are at higher risk from flu are also at higher risk for COVID-19.
It is especially important for people who are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19, to get a flu vaccination this year. This includes adults ages 65 years and older, residents in a nursing home or long-term care facility, persons of all ages with certain underlying medical conditions (such as COPD, diabetes, or heart disease), and racial/ethnic minority groups who have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19.
3. Influenza complications can lead to serious health concerns.
Many people who catch the flu will have mild to moderate symptoms, such as bronchitis, sinus infections and ear infections, and may not need medical care. However, some people can have severe flu complications, such as pneumonia or inflammation of the heart or brain, that can result in hospitalization and sometimes death. Flu also can make chronic health problems worse. For example, flu can trigger asthma attacks in those who have asthma and can worsen chronic heart disease.
However, the flu vaccine is effective at reducing the severity of flu and preventing hospitalizations, making flu vaccination all the more important for these groups.
Flu warning signs to look for in children include: trouble breathing, chest pain, dehydration, seizures, high fevers, cough and medical conditions that worsen.
Warning signs in adults include: difficulty breathing, pain in chest, dizziness, unable to urinate, severe muscle pain, seizures, severe weakness and worsening medical conditions.
This is not an inclusive list. You should seek medical assistance if flu symptoms worsen or you become concerned.
Where to get flu vaccines.
Flu vaccines are offered in many locations in West Virginia, including doctor’s offices, health departments, pharmacies, community health centers and school-based health clinics, as well as by many employers. Some clinics and pharmacies that offered walk-in vaccination clinics, may only be providing vaccinations by appointment-only during COVID-19, so it is important to call ahead to find out about any changes.
If you or your family have had changes to your health insurance or lost health insurance, there may be programs available to help you get the flu vaccine. The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program is a federal program that provides vaccines for children 18 years of age and younger who are uninsured, underinsured, Medicaid-eligible, American Indian, or Alaska Native. For help finding a local health care provider who participates in the VFC program, ask your child’s health care provider or contact a local health department.
For adults who do not have insurance or whose health insurance does not cover the flu vaccine, free vaccines are available at community health centers and local health departments.
For more information about flu vaccination, talk to your health care provider.
