It’s the start of the school season, which also happens to kick off the seasonal flu vaccine. For many US kids and adults, this fall will be the first time back to a classroom and office full-time. While returning to school and work may signal some ‘return to normal,’ it’s also the first time in two years that many of us could be exposed to flu due to changes in safety protocols, resulting in reduced immunity and an increased risk for serious illness. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) just announced streamlined COVID-19 guidance regarding social distancing and testing.
Improving patient lives and supporting public health is critically important, which require us all to do our part in preventing the spread of flu. Our partnerships with advocacy organizations, including National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) and Families Fighting Flu (FFF) help us educate patients about flu safety measures and the importance of proactively requesting an annual vaccination.
See below for updated guidance from Shelle Allen, President of Families Fighting Flu (FFF) and Marla Dalton, CAE, Executive Director & CEO of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID), who share insight on how to protect yourself and your families this flu season.
.jpg/jcr:content/renditions/cq5dam.web.320.Shelle Allen FFF (High Res).jpg)
.jpg/jcr:content/renditions/cq5dam.web.320.Marla Dalton NFID (High Res).jpg)
How can everyone protect themselves and their families against flu amid another season of COVID-19 overlap with everchanging guidelines?
Shelle: The most important thing families can do to prepare for the flu season is to understand the importance of flu vaccinations. Annual flu vaccination is the best preventative measure you can take to protect yourself and your family from the flu. Discuss any questions or concerns with your healthcare provider or local pharmacist during the flu season and ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Marla: Vaccination also helps to protect children, older adults (65+), and those with certain chronic health conditions who are most vulnerable to flu related complications.
Low circulation of flu last year, likely due to continued COVID-19 health precautions (e.g., mask-wearing, social distancing) led to lower vaccination rates. What does this mean for this year’s flu season and how do we prepare?
Shelle: There are certainly lower levels of flu circulating compared with pre-pandemic levels. However, the risk remains, particularly among young children going back to the classroom with reduced immunity against flu. That’s why educating communities about flu safety measures and encouraging yearly flu vaccination remains an important part of reducing serious and contagious health threats. Flu symptoms can be very similar to COVID-19 symptoms – fever, headache, body aches, fatigue, and cough – and now that everyone 6 months and older is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine, we must be vaccinated and tested for BOTH diseases when symptoms present.
Marla: While flu activity has been historically low in the US during the past two flu seasons, flu remains an unpredictable virus. The US could face a potentially vigorous respiratory virus season due to relaxed COVID-19 precautions, updated CDC guidance, increased travel, children returning to school, and employees returning to offices.
Even in cases when flu vaccination does not completely prevent infection, it can reduce the likelihood of serious complications, including hospitalization and death.
In addition to annual flu vaccination, how can parents help their kids stay protected this year?
Shelle: Everyone should take preventative measures to help fight flu: stay home if you are sick, practice healthy habits such as washing your hands, covering your coughs and sneezes, avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, clean and disinfect surfaces or objects. If you have flu-like symptoms, call a healthcare provider as soon as possible.