Yes, you can get the flu and coronavirus at the same time | Lifestyle

Health professionals are still studying how common this can be and what happens if someone infects both. The flu season usually diminished gradually in April or earlier, and it was not until March that the World Health Organization declared a coronavirus pandemic and put restrictions on it. This fall and winter is the first time we have seen a potentially important intersection between the two viruses.

Dr. Eric Sachinwara, Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Management at the Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, said: “I don’t have enough experience to actually know if it’s a double annoyance situation that makes treatment very difficult.” If someone has both infections, their bodies repel it. It’s definitely plausible that it’s difficult to do, and these are two viruses that can cause lung damage and pneumonia. “

People at high risk for both illnesses include the elderly, those with certain underlying illnesses, and those who are pregnant. Physicians are worried about how coinfection with these illnesses will affect the already burdened healthcare system. This is the main reason why experts are urging all of us to get a flu shot as soon as possible.

“Our concern is that coinfections can extend the duration of hospital stays, which makes us concerned about the availability of beds. We try to control the transmission of these viruses. If you can try it, it can help the situation, “says Dr. Patricia, Henwood, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University’s Sidney Kimmel Medical College, and Leader of Jefferson Health’s Emergency Medicine COVID-19 Task Force. ..

Although not considered as deadly as the coronavirus, the flu can sick millions of people each year and flood hospitals in bad years. During the 2017-2018 US flu season, the CDC estimated 810,000 flu-related hospitalizations and 61,000 flu-related deaths.

But experts say that all that people are doing to prevent coronavirus infections, such as wearing masks, increasing social distance, and washing hands, can prevent many people from getting the flu again this year. I hope I can do it. And the push to everyone (more than 6 months) to get the flu vaccine is stronger than ever.

How do I know if I have the flu, the coronavirus, or both?

It’s hard to understand. The two viruses share many symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, malaise, sore throat, headache, runny nose, and body aches. Without testing, it can be difficult to tell which virus you are infected with. And this is true even if you get the flu vaccine. The effectiveness of the flu vaccine varies from year to year, but it is never 100%.

“This is one of the criticisms we often hear, but even with the incomplete vaccine, it is especially high if you are vaccinated against the flu (but if you are vaccinated against the flu). In the case of risk, studies have shown that the risk of death is lower. A risk group like people with the flu, says Sachinwalla.

The CDC has found that the flu vaccine can help with public health. This is especially true if it is in good agreement with the prevalent influenza virus. However, if you get sick, you still need to take a test to actually know if you have COVID-19 or the flu. Testing is important in determining the next steps, including potential treatment options.

“If someone has the flu, we may give them antiviral drugs against the flu, and if someone has a COVID, we may try steroids or remdesivir.” Says Sachinwalla.

The test also helps determine how long to quarantine at home. If you have the coronavirus, you may be infected for a longer period of time. Most people with the flu are advised to stay home for a week after the onset of symptoms. Also, for COVID-19, it is recommended that you stay at home for at least 10 days after the symptoms appear, even if the symptoms disappear quickly.

“For example, it’s important for people to know when it’s safe for their child to go back to school and when they can get back to work,” says Henwood.

If I have a high incidence of COVID-19 in my area, do I need to go out to get the flu vaccine?

With rising COVID-19 infection rates nationwide, you may be worried about entering a clinic or lining up at a pharmacy to get a flu shot right away. But experts say getting a flu shot is a reason why it’s worth leaving your home.

“The safety guidance published by public health is intended to help protect you when you need to go out,” says Sachinwalla. “The place is actively trying to maximize safety. Healthcare and flu shots are important.”

You can pre-book in many places, including the growing number of pharmacies. This avoids congestion and speeds up the process.

Also, if you’re concerned about how flu shots affect your immune system and you’re more susceptible to the coronavirus, you don’t have to worry, Sachinwalla said. Influenza vaccination does not weaken your immune system.

“Influenza vaccination usually activates the immune system,” he says. “That’s why people may get mild symptoms like low-grade fever — that’s what your immune system responds to shots.”

(C) 2020 Philadelphia Inquirer

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