Beech Tree News Network

Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses. While it’s not possible to say with certainty what will happen in the fall and winter, the CDC believes it’s likely that flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will both be spreading. In this context, getting a flu vaccine will be more important than ever as it is very possible for someone to have the flu and COVID-19 at the same time.  

Getting a flu vaccine will not protect against COVID-19, however flu vaccination has many other important benefits.  Getting a flu vaccine this fall will not only reduce your risk from flu but also to help conserve potentially scarce health care resources. Ensuring that people continue or start getting routine vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic is essential for protecting people and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases and outbreaks, including flu. Routine vaccination prevents illnesses that lead to unnecessary medical visits and hospitalizations, which further strain the healthcare system. For the upcoming flu season, flu vaccination will be very important to reduce flu because it can help reduce the overall impact of respiratory illnesses on the population and thus lessen the resulting burden on the healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older. During the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing the overall burden of respiratory illnesses is important to protect vulnerable populations at risk for severe illness, the healthcare system, and other critical infrastructure.  Look for more information about our office availability in providing the flu vaccine this year. For any information about this please check our facebook page or call our office 270-526-9652 or check out our website at www.ghaythhammadmd.com.