Getting a Flu Vaccine is More Important Than Ever
The CDC believes it’s likely that flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will both be spreading this year. In this context, getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever. CDC recommends that all people 6 months and older get a yearly flu vaccine prior to the flu season.
For the upcoming flu season, a flu vaccination is important to reduce flu because it can:
- Reduce the number of respiratory illnesseses in our population
- Lessen the resulting burden on the healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Keep individuals from getting sick with flu, reduce the severity of the illness if you do get flu and reduce the risk of a flu-associated hospitalization.
- Reduce the risk of potential co-infections with both Flu and COVID-19
What is the difference between COVID-19 and influenza?
Influenza (the flu) and COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus that's led to the current pandemic, are both infectious respiratory illnesses. Although the symptoms of COVID-19 and the flu can look similar, the two illnesses are caused by different viruses. Research so far indicates that COVID-19 spreads more easily and has a higher death rate than the flu.
- COVID-19: Caused by one virus, the novel 2019 coronavirus, now called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, or SARS-CoV-2.
- Influenza: Caused by any of several different types and strains of influenza viruses.
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Seasonal Influenza (Flu)
Seasonal influenza (flu) frequently comes on fast and furious. One minute you're feeling a little "off" and within an hour or two you know you'd better get yourself to bed. It’s a common respiratory infection caused by a virus that affects your nose, throat, and lungs and can last from 5 to 7 days. Here are some common symptoms of the flu:
- Fever and/or chills
- Cough (usually dry)
- Fatigue
- Aches and pains
- Runny or stuffy nose (sometimes)
- Sore throat (sometimes)
- Diarrhea (sometimes in children)
Unlike for colds, vaccination is a good way to prevent the flu. If you received a flu vaccine and still get the flu, your symptoms are generally milder than if you didn’t receive the flu vaccine, and people who have been vaccinated are much less likely to be hospitalized. Most people with the flu get well without medical treatment, although they can be quite ill for several days. Stay home and get plenty of rest and fluids and treat a fever with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Most people who get the flu will recover in less than two weeks. But in some people, the flu causes complications, including pneumonia. The overall hospitalization rate in the U.S. for the flu last season was about 67 hospitalizations per 100,000 people, according to the CDC.
More information about the flu:
COVID-19
SARS CoV-2, or COVID-19, is a new strain of coronavirus not previously seen in humans that is spreading quickly worldwide. Two other strains of the coronavirus also cause serious respiratory disease, and four other strains of coronavirus are actually very common and usually only cause mild symptoms (like the common cold). However, the COVID-19 virus, can cause severe illness in certain groups. For example, older people and people of all ages with severe underlying health conditions – like heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes, for example – seem to be at higher risk of developing serious COVID-19 illness.
Symptoms of COVID-19 can include*:
- Cough (usually dry)
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fever and/or chills
- Tiredness (sometimes)
- Aches and pains (sometimes)
- Headaches (sometimes)
- Sore throat (sometimes)
- Loss of taste or smell (sometimes)
*Upper respiratory symptoms, like runny nose and sinus congestion, are very uncommon in COVID-19.
The severity of COVID-19 symptoms ranges from mild to severe. If you suspect you have COVID-19, call Intermountain Healthcare’s 24-hour hotline, Health Answers, at 844-442-5224 to talk with an Intermountain clinician who can review your symptoms and give specific care recommendations. If your symptoms are mild you will likely be directed to stay home to protect others from illness and follow the CDC’s recommended guidance for self-care. If you’re referred to a testing site or medical facility, remember to call ahead and let them know your symptoms before you go in. Click here for more detailed information on coronavirus.
Symptom Comparison Table
It is important to remember that antibiotics won’t help any viral infections. Usually, the infections just need to run their course, so it’s best to just wait and watch. If your viral symptoms get better, and then days later suddenly get worse, you should contact your healthcare provider who can evaluate whether you may have a bacterial infection.
How are the flu and COVID-19 spread?
Both COVID-19 and flu can spread from person-to-person, between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). Both are spread mainly by droplets in the air made when people with the illness (COVID-19 or flu) cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can be breathed into the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or inhaled into the lungs.
It may be possible that a person can get infected by physical human contact (e.g. shaking hands) or by touching a surface or object that has virus on it and then touching his or her own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.
Both flu virus and the virus that causes COVID-19 may be spread to others by people before they begin showing symptoms, by people with very mild symptoms or by people who never develop symptoms (asymptomatic) as well as those who are ill (symptomatic).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important for influenza (flu) vaccines to be given during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Can I have flu and COVID-19 at the same time?
Will a flu vaccine protect me against COVID-19?
If I am pregnant is it safe to get a flu vaccine?
Pregnant women should get a flu vaccine. Pregnant women are particularly susceptible to an illness such as influenza. The immune system undergoes normal changes during pregnancy, which can increase the risk of complications from the flu. Pregnant women who acquire the flu are also at higher risk of pregnancy related complications, such as preterm labor, pneumonia, and serious illness requiring hospital admission.
Unlike adults, newborn babies cannot receive influenza vaccinations because it is only approved for people ages 6 months and older. Therefore, they need assistance in obtaining protective antibodies, which can be provided from their mother prior to their birth. If the mother receives a vaccine during pregnancy, the antibodies she generates will passively transfer from her to the baby, allowing the baby to be born with a blood stream full of this precious gift from mom. Without this protection, the baby is vulnerable to the influenza virus until they can receive their own flu vaccinations at 6 months.
Can I catch the flu from the flu vaccine?
The influenza vaccine is made from virus particles or inactivated virus that can’t transmit infection. However, it takes a week or two to develop full protection and many times a person can become sick during that short window while they’re waiting for the vaccine to take full effect. That can lead to the incorrect assumption that the vaccine caused their illness.
The vaccine reduces your odds of getting the flu from as high as one in four to one in 10 and protects you from the four influenza viruses that research indicates will be the most common during the upcoming flu season. People can still get the flu despite getting the vaccine if they’re exposed to a strain of influenza that doesn’t match at 100 percent but the severity is usually less because some immunity has been generated.
Why do we get an influenza vaccine every year?
Just like the COVID virus which constantly evolves into new variants, the subtypes of the influenza virus also evolve and change into new “strains”. The H (hemagglutinin) protein and the N (neuraminidase) proteins on the surface of the influenza virus change their structure which helps them evade our immune system. Vaccines are modified every year to match the new protein structure that then teaches our immune system to recognize and target them to neutralize their ability to infect us.
There is also some waning, or lessening, of the strength of our body’s immune response over time after a vaccine. Each year’s influenza vaccine boosts that immune response and helps our immune cells remember how to fight the influenza virus.
Is the flu vaccine dangerous?
When does flu season start in Utah?
Is a cold a symptom of a flu?
Should people with egg allergies get a flu vaccine?
Who should talk to their doctor or pharmacist before getting a flu vaccine?
- People who have an allergy to eggs or other vaccine ingredients
- People who’ve ever had Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)
- People who are feeling ill
If you have any questions or concerns about receiving the vaccination, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
How much does it cost?
Should a flu vaccine be given to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19?
What are the strains included in the influenza vaccine this season?
How much influenza do we expect this year?
Does the influenza vaccine help protect against COVID?
Can I get a COVID Vaccine and a Flu Vaccine at the same time?
Disclaimer
Annual flu vaccines are covered by most health insurance plans, including Medicare Parts B and D as well as Medicaid.
Please check with your insurance provider for questions about your medical benefits coverage.