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Given the amount of travel going on around the world, it is currently difficult to predict when the flu will break out. However, statistically, the respiratory virus first starts circulating in November.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, millions of people get the flu each year, hundreds of thousands are hospitalized, and tens of thousands die.
Vaccination not only reduces the risk of getting the flu, but has also been shown to reduce the risk of potentially serious complications in the event of infection.
This year, the flu vaccine will cover three strains: two A strains (H1N1 and H3N2) and B/Victoria. The B/Yamagata strain will no longer be included in the vaccine as it is no longer in circulation.
Rich Lakin, immunization director for the Utah Department of Health, said it’s difficult to predict when the flu will break out right now, given global travel. However, statistically, the respiratory virus first begins circulating in November.
He said a good time to get vaccinated is usually two weeks before Thanksgiving.
“Some years it might start in October, other years it might start later in November,” Lakin said. “Obviously, if it starts in October, it’s a good time to get vaccinated. But I usually get vaccinated about two weeks before everyone gets together for Thanksgiving or other celebrations where a lot of people gather indoors.”
The flu is a virus that affects the nose, throat and lungs and is transmitted from person to person through droplet infection.
“If you get the flu, you’ll know it,” Lakin said, “because you’ll be in bed and sick.”
Symptoms of flu can come on suddenly and include fever, fatigue, body aches, runny nose, cough, headache and chills. Children may also experience vomiting and diarrhea. Sometimes the flu can lead to complications such as pneumonia.
“It’s important to get vaccinated, but it’s also important to stay home when you’re sick, sneeze into your elbow and wash your hands,” Lakin said.
In addition to the flu shot, Lakin said the population can also get vaccinated with the latest COVID-19 vaccine. There are currently three vaccines available. Pfizer and Moderna offer the mRNA vaccine, and Novavax offers a more traditional protein vaccine that is similar to the flu vaccine most people are used to.
“COVID cases have been increasing recently, and we’ve seen that increase across the country and in Utah as well,” Lakin said. “The CDC recommends everyone get the current vaccine – not to prevent COVID infection, but to protect themselves from severe illness if they do get infected.”
Lakin said that while new variants keep emerging, there is currently little difference between them. However, since they can evade immunity, it is advisable to get vaccinated, he added.
“There are a lot of smart people working on this vaccine, and there are a lot of checks and balances going on to make sure it’s safe,” Lakin said. “We’ve been working on the vaccines for a number of years now, and the data has proven that they’re safe and effective.”
Lakin said Novavax’s vaccine is not yet available in pharmacies but is currently being delivered.
Symptoms of COVID-19 include a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, a scratchy or sore throat, cough with or without difficulty breathing, body aches, chills, weakness, headache, fever, and loss of smell, taste or appetite.
Since the symptoms are very similar to those of the flu, it is recommended that you get tested to see if you need any special treatment.
“Remember that flu and COVID can cause mild to severe illness and this is not something we should take lightly,” Lakin said. “That’s why we always recommend vaccination.”
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