Protect Your Health During Flu Season
The fall season is here, and with it comes a unique set of health challenges, especially those with a chronic disease.
As cold and flu viruses start to circulate while the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, it’s essential to protect yourself and the health and wellbeing of those around you.
The common cold and influenza viruses temporarily weaken the immune system. Any variation in the immune system of chronic disease patients, who are already at a higher risk of severe disease, can make them even more susceptible to COVID-19.
The Big Question. What to Expect from This Year’s Flu Season?
Every flu season is different. Although it’s difficult to predict, scientists gather information from countries in the Southern hemisphere, such as Australia.
Places like South America and Australia have opposite seasons from the Northern Hemisphere (they deal with the winter season while we enjoy summer), and their flu season is close to finishing.
So far, data suggests that compared to other flu seasons, this year’s could be milder. Social distancing guidelines and mask wearing are making a difference in limiting influenza in southern countries.
However, there is no guarantee the U.S. will see the same kind of flu activity as that experienced by countries in the southern hemisphere. For that reason, it’s best to take preventive measures to avoid getting the flu.
Tips to Prepare for The Flu Season
The CDC estimates that 39 to 56 million individuals had the flu last year, resulting in 24,000 to 62,000 flu-related deaths.
This year poses additional challenges with the presence of COVID-19. Both the flu and COVID-19 are respiratory diseases that spread in similar ways and can cause serious illnesses. The following tips can help reduce the risk of infection.
Get the Flu Vaccine
Getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever. The vaccine can help protect chronic disease patients and the community from getting the flu.
Every year the CDC estimates the burden of influenza and the impact of annual influenza vaccination in the United States. In their report for the 2018-2019 flu season, they estimate flu vaccinations helped prevent 4.4 million influenza illnesses, 2.3 million flu-associated doctor visits, 58,000 flu-related hospitalizations, and 3,500 influenza-associated deaths.
Incentive Herd Immunity
Encourage family members and friends of chronic disease patients to also to get vaccinated.
The more people that are vaccinated, the less likely this contagious disease can spread to others. This is more commonly referred to as herd immunity.
Follow Current Recommendations Regarding COVID-19
As mentioned earlier, experts believe the same actions that help slow the spread of COVID-19, including physical distancing, wearing face masks when out in public, and frequent handwashing can also help protect against the flu.
Consult Your Doctor If You Are Feeling Sick
Chronic disease patients should keep an open line of communication with their specialists. When new or worsening symptoms arise, including flu symptoms, it is recommended to contact your physician to discuss your condition.
Altus Biologics strongly urges patients to speak to their doctors about flu vaccination and to follow all preventive measures recommended by their physician.
