This year’s flu season is expected to see a sharper increase in the number of flu and COVID-19 cases than last year, with health officials citing lax pandemic prevention practices.
Laura Morris, MU Healthcare Family Physician and Co-Chair of the Vaccine Committee, said social distancing, masks and frequent hand washing helped prevent both viruses, leading to fewer flu cases than before the pandemic. said.
“Our behavior is getting back to normal, which is good from a certain point of view, but we’re going to be transmitting more infections to each other this year, and people are building defenses on top of that. What they do in a typical year,” Morris said.
Boone County had 43,163 flu cases between October 3, 2021 and May 21, 2022, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
Between October 2019 and Spring 2020, 113,395 flu cases occurred in Boone County.
“I think people are probably forgetting about the flu, which has been overshadowed by COVID-19 and has become a serious infectious disease in its own right,” Morris said. “Before the pandemic, the flu was the epidemic we see in the winter, making people sick the most. Since he is dead, I think we need to continue to take care of him.”
COVID-19 and the flu share many symptoms, including headaches, sore throats, coughs, fatigue, muscle aches, and fevers. Morris said this could make it difficult to identify which virus you have.
Getting tested for flu and COVID-19 is the surest way to know, Morris said. We recommend that you take the test as soon as possible.
Morris said it’s possible to catch both the flu and COVID-19 at the same time, but it’s unlikely.
Infants, children and adults over the age of 65, as well as those with weakened immune systems, are most at risk from both viruses, Morris said.
“Most of us have been dealing with Covid at some point over the last few years, but there are still many people who are vulnerable, have weakened immune systems, and are still at risk,” Morris said. She said people should continue to pay attention to these at-risk community members and encourage them to be vaccinated, tested and stay home if they suspect they are ill. rice field.
Less than 50% of the population is typically vaccinated against flu, Morris said. She said the best way to stay healthy is to get a flu shot and her COVID-19 vaccine and booster.
Other ways to prevent contracting and spreading either virus include staying away from work or school if you have symptoms, getting tested or treated, wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces, and especially at high risk. This includes people wearing masks.
Flu never goes away, Morris said, but flu epidemics typically start in late October, last through the spring, and peak in January, February, and March. With flu activity currently low in Missouri, Morris said there’s no rush to get vaccinated right away, but it’s recommended to get vaccinated by the end of October.
Ryan Sheehan, spokesperson for the Columbia/Boon County Department of Public Health and Human Services, said there are several opportunities to get COVID-19 and flu vaccines at pharmacies, stores, and offices in Columbia. their website.
Sheehan said the ministry will soon release a list of Colombian school-based flu vaccination clinics for children, along with information on how parents can make an appointment.
Sheehan recommends checking the Department of Health’s social media accounts and website for the latest information on vaccination opportunities.
MU Health Care will offer both COVID-19 boosters and flu shots at a drive-thru event every Saturday in October.
“That’s why we have two arms,” Morris said. “One shot for one shot, one shot for one shot”
