2022 flu season: 5 important things to know to stay healthy this year

STATEN ISLAND, NY – Foliage starting to turn red/orange is also a sign of fall as well as the season for flu activity that begins to increase in October.

Influenza activity typically peaks between December and January, but the timing and duration of the season has been a bit unpredictable since the start of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Health experts predict that flu epidemics will be active this winter. Combined with a possible spike in COVID-19 this winter, he could have an intense season this season.

“This year is very likely to be the year we see a twindemic. William SchaffnerProfessor of Infectious Diseases at Vanderbilt University NPR“So we’re seeing a spike in COVID-19 and an increase in flu at the same time. Both could affect the population at the same time.”

Here are five things the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends to prepare for flu season.

get vaccinated

Although the CDC recommends getting the vaccine ideally by the end of October, the agency stresses that vaccination after October can still provide protection during peak flu season. Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older.

For the 2022-2023 flu season, the CDC recommends that people 65 and older get three flu vaccines.these are Fluzone high-dose quadrivalent vaccine, Flublok Quadrivalent Recombinant Influenza Vaccine When Fluad Quadrivalent Adjuvant Influenza VaccineIf none of these are available at the time of flu vaccination, people in this age group can resort to getting a standard flu shot.

Find flu vaccine locations near you www.vaccines.gov/find-vaccines.

What if you recently had COVID?

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), people who test positive for COVID-19 are no longer moderately or severely ill before being vaccinated against the flu and undergo a short waiting period until the isolation period is complete. should be observed. ).

The CDC-recommended quarantine period for people with COVID is currently 5 days, starting on the first day after testing positive, with an additional 5 days of mask wearing and social distancing.When symptoms occur without symptoms symptoms Within 10 days of the first test, the clock will restart at day 0 on the day symptoms first appeared.

COVID patients in healthcare settings can get the flu vaccine sooner, says the NIH.

2 servings for some children

As recommended by the CDC, children aged 6 months to 8 years who receive their first flu vaccine and children who have had only one previous flu vaccine should receive two doses for best protection. there is. The first dose primes the immune system and the second dose actually confers immunity. It is recommended that children in this group receive their first dose as soon as possible, as her second dose should be given at least 4 weeks after her first dose.

Children who have previously received two doses of the flu vaccine (at any given time) will only need one dose this season.

When to take antiviral drugs

For people who have or suspect influenza and are at high risk for serious flu complications, CDC recommends prompt treatment with: influenza antiviral drugs To fight the flu virus in your body. People at high risk for flu complications include young children, adults over the age of 65, pregnant women, and people with certain medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease.

Antiviral drugs can reduce fever and flu symptoms and shorten the duration of illness by about a day. For people at high risk of serious flu complications, treatment with antivirals can mean the difference between mild and severe illness, which can lead to hospitalization. available only with a prescription from a healthcare provider.

healthy habits

Practicing healthy habits such as avoiding sick people, covering coughs, and washing hands often help prevent the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses such as the flu.

Other healthy habits include: Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work, or school, especially if someone is sick. Get enough sleep; stay physically active; stay hydrated, eat a nutritious diet.