Pandemic Precautions Likely Prevented COVID 19 and the Flu
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recorded less than 2,000 flu cases nationwide from September 2020 to April 2021, an all-time low. There were more than 38 million cases during the previous flu season, which the CDC considered a moderate season.
It appears the extreme measures and routine precautions required to slow the spread of COVID-19, also dramatically reduced the number of flu cases. Since both COVID-19 and the flu are contagious respiratory diseases, they require person-to-person contact to spread. The precautions helped protect people from both illnesses and other respiratory illnesses.
Health officials are not expecting a repeat of last season, so people are strongly encouraged to get the flu vaccine. Businesses and schools are open, people are attending large events, and many people are no longer taking precautions.
COVID-19 infections have increased again, so it is expected flu will too. Flu season starts in October and can last as late as May. The flu is usually less contagious and less severe than COVID-19, but it has claimed 12,000 – 61,000 lives each year since 2010.
Everyone 6 months and older should get the flu vaccine. People 12 and older who haven’t had their COVID-19 vaccination, can get their COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time. It’s safe and saves time. It is possible for people to be infected with both illnesses at the same time. Since the diseases share some of the same symptoms, testing is required to determine the illness.
Flu symptoms include, fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue (tiredness). People can experience vomiting and diarrhea, though these symptoms are more likely in children.
Please contact your healthcare provider or pharmacy to get your flu vaccine. Harris County Public Health is providing free flu vaccines to uninsured or Medicaid eligible residents its clinics and flu events. Call 832-927-7350 to make an appointment or to find a location near you.