Should you get a flu shot during the COVID-19 pandemic? Macon health experts explain
Tuesday was the first day of fall, which means cooler temperatures, a proliferation of pumpkin spice and Georgia’s annual battle with the flu.
The last flu season, which typically stretches from November to March, brought 94 influenza-related deaths and prompted thousands of hospitalizations. This flu season will be made increasingly more difficult to manage because of the coronavirus, which shares many symptoms with the flu.
Navicent Health hosted a panel Monday of medical professionals from the healthcare company to answer questions about coronavirus and influenza, including whether you should get the flu shot, how to tell the difference between the two viruses and how to protect yourself from both.
Should I get a flu shot?
The short answer is “Yes.” Although people can still get the flu after getting a vaccine, the vaccine reduces the severity of the illness significantly, according to Rachel Faulkner, a registered nurse and assistant vice president of quality and safety at Navicent. The vaccine can be more or less effective, based on the strains used in the vaccine’s formation.
“Even when the vaccine doesn’t exactly match those viruses, it still can provide some protection,” Faulker said.
Similar to the coronavirus, people can spread the flu when they do not show any symptoms.
“It’s important that everybody’s vaccinated. The very young and the very old are more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with flu, but we all should really get vaccinated,” Faulkner said.
How can I tell the difference between the flu, COVID?
Dr. Jeff Stephens, director of infection prevention at Navicent, said the coronavirus and flu are very similar. One of the few differences is the coronavirus can cause a loss of taste and smell, not an effect of the flu, he said.
“To be honest with you, the only way to really tell them apart is by testing,” Stephens said. “On symptoms and signs alone, you cannot tell the difference in flu and COVID and other respiratory illnesses, including colds.”
People might relate the virus to the cold weather, but Stephens said the spread probably has more to do with people spending more time indoors and congregating indoors. More research has shown that less humidity allows the droplets to stay in the air longer causing more people to get infected, he said.
How can I get a flu shot?
Health experts suggest getting a flu shot early in the fall, although a vaccine at any point during the flu season is better than nothing. While some hospitals, clinics and private companies provide flu shots, the best place to start is probably the North Central Health District, the local arm of the Georgia Department of Public Health. NCHD can connect you with a local health department to schedule a flu shot.
What about a COVID-19 vaccine?
Dr. Tom Oliver, president of hospitals and clinics at Navicent, presented an update on Georgia’s COVID-19 data and Navicent’s response as well as an update on potential vaccines for the coronavirus. He said pharmaceutical companies are optimistic that there will be a vaccine that can be widely distributed by the first or second quarter of 2021.
“An effective vaccine remains our best hope to impart herd immunity to the population and end this pandemic,” he said.
The vaccine remains the best way to combat the coronavirus, Navicent’s experts emphasized. In order to achieve herd immunity, Stephens said it would take two to three years without a vaccine, and immunity might not last for a long time.
“The whole idea of letting herd immunity be the only way to do this I think is really shortsighted because number one it would probably overwhelm the healthcare system with lots of deaths and number two it’s not going to be long lasting in thought,” he said.
Healthy habits to prevent COVID-19 and the flu
Avoid contact with sick people
When you are sick, stay home
Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
Wear a mask when you can’t socially distance
Clean your hands regularly
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
Practice other good health habits, such as disinfecting surfaces, getting plenty of rest, being physically active, managing stress, drinking plenty of fluids and eating health
This story was originally published September 23, 2020 at 5:00 AM.