Experts predict 2023 will be one of the toughest flu seasons ever for Washington citizens, likely arriving earlier than usual, combined with a winter-related surge in COVID-19 and other viruses. We spoke with Dr. Alison Ziali, Outpatient Associate Chief Medical Officer at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, for some insight into how best to prepare.
“We encourage the community to schedule flu vaccine appointments as soon as possible,” Ziali said. 425“Because flu symptoms are very similar to COVID-19 (fever/chills, cough, fatigue, runny/congested nose), Washingtonians get their flu shot every year and continue to wear a mask to avoid getting sick.” It is important to protect yourself from
With the Southern Hemisphere already having a severe flu season, what will this season look like?
Influenza can spread at any time, but tends to be most prominent in the fall and winter. Based on recent infection rates around the world, the United States is expected to have a longer and more severe flu season than seen in recent years. Historically, the impact of influenza-related infections in the United States has been high, with 7.5 million flu cases, 105,000 hospitalizations, and 6,300 deaths during the 2019-20 flu season alone.
When can I get the flu vaccine for the 2022-2023 flu season?
Flu vaccination is highly recommended for most people to reduce flu infection rates and prevent negative consequences. Benefits of influenza vaccination include reduced risk of infection, severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses are at higher risk of flu complications if infected, and vaccination protects these populations. Get your flu vaccine early.
Is it safe to get the COVID-19 vaccine/COVID-19 booster shot and the flu vaccine at the same time?
Yes, if you are eligible and the timing is right, it is safe to get the COVID-19 vaccine or the latest booster at the same time you receive the flu vaccine. Both vaccines can be given at once, but the recommended schedule for either vaccine should be followed. If you have not received the current recommended COVID-19 vaccine, get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible.
If I think I have COVID-19 or test positive, should I postpone my flu shot?
Asymptomatic or presymptomatic patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, or those who have recovered and are currently asymptomatic, should receive influenza vaccine even if the criteria to end isolation have not yet been met. can receive For example, the flu vaccine may not be available after discharge, so the flu vaccine can be given before discharge. For patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 who are symptomatic, CDC will postpone influenza vaccination for at least the isolation period until COVID-19 symptoms improve and the patient is no longer moderately to severely ill. recommended.
Here is a list of additional tips Dr. Giara shared to help everyone stay healthy this winter.
Avoid close contact with sick people. When you are sick, keep your distance so others don’t get sick.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. It may prevent people around you from getting sick. Influenza viruses are spread primarily through droplets made by flu patients when they cough, sneeze, or talk.
Bacteria can be spread when a person touches something contaminated with bacteria and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth.
Practice other good health habits. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work, or school, especially if someone is sick. Get enough sleep, move your body, manage your stress, drink plenty of water and eat nutritious foods.
All the healthy habits we’ve been using during COVID-19 are the same measures that protect us from the flu.
