US health officials are urging us to avoid the potential of a twindemic – coronavirus COVID-19 plus seasonal influenza– with a proactive nod to the flu vaccine. The 2020 flu vaccine could be the hero in the duel of a lifetime – the dueling respiratory viral infections caused by COVID-19 and the seasonal flu.
Reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC remind us that a flu vaccine is one of the best protections from the influenza virus. And, further that this is a most critical year for Americans to try to take flu as much as possible off the table. Contracting COVID-19 and the flu concomitantly could be calamitous health authorities fear.
Flu vaccination is considered important for people ages 6 months and older, and for those who are at high risk of developing serious flu complications, including people with heart disease.
September 15 is the American Public Health Association’s Get Ready for Flu DayAPHA’s Get Ready campaign helps Americans prepare themselves, their families and their communities for all disasters and hazards, including pandemic flu, infectious disease, natural disasters and other emergencies.
Ingrid Alcover, MD, primary care physician at AssociatesMD in Hollywood Florida, “I concur with the CDC and other US healthcare officials who are emphatic that this may be the most important flu vaccine you ever get to help prevent the spread of influenza to your community and to thwart the potential twindemic coinfection of COVID-19 plus influenza. And getting a flu vaccine may reduce the risk of flu complications, including sudden onset of cardiac disease.”
A flu vaccine this season, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, can also help reduce the burden on our healthcare systems responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and save medical resources for care of COVID-19 patients.
Getting ready for flu season can start today. Because the body takes up to 2 weeks to develop antibodies to defend against the flu viruses after vaccination, the CDC recommends getting the flu shot at the start of flu season, and before the end of October. In addition, the CDC offers these suggestions to prevent the flu:
- Get a flu vaccine.
- Practice everyday preventive actions.
- Take antiviral medication to treat flu if your doctor prescribes them.
Starting now, follow these health official prevention actions, along with additional recommendations to prevent COVID-19, including staying current with your routine medical care needs.
Primary care physician Ingrid Alcover, MD, suggests that the time is now, before flu season gets underway, to schedule your wellness visit you may have put off because of the pandemic. And if you think you may have COVID-19 or the flu your physician can help you to understand how to recognize the differences between Flu Symptoms and COVID-19 Symptoms.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older should receive a flu vaccine every season to prevent contracting or spreading the influenza virus to others. This is particularly important for people who are at high risk of serious complications from influenza.
Schedule your flu vaccination today. Call 1-844-954-DOCS.
Ready to see your physician, or are you new to our practice? Click AssociatesMD Appointment to schedule an office or virtual appointment. Your wellness journey is our journey, too. Call us to connect at 1-844-954-DOCS.
For more than 20 years, AssociatesMD medical group’s multi-specialty physicians have cared for patients in locations throughout Broward with unwavering compassion and uncompromised dedication to excellence. AssociatesMD medical group has expanded its virtual visits, helping patients access virtual care as an easy, personalized, and cost effective way to receive timely access to quality tele-healthcare delivery from physicians known for their innovative care and dedication to excellence. https://associatesmd.com
