With COVID-19 being the center of attention for 2020, as we enter the flu season, the fear of both viruses attacking at the same time is beyond scary for public health experts. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), explains that “As long as flu viruses are spreading and causing illnesses, vaccination should continue throughout the flu season in order to protect as many people as possible against the flu.
The American Association of Nurse Practitioners reports that during a “typical influenza season in the United States (U.S.), 5% to 20% of the population becomes ill with influenza, more than 200,000 are hospitalized and around 36,000 die.” The CDC dispels some of the myths that prevents some from getting the influenza vaccine such as:
- No, the flu vaccine cannot cause flu illness.
- No, it is not better to get the flu than to get the vaccine.
- Yes, a new flu vaccine is needed every year for optimal protection.
The CDC reports that flu activity tends to peak between December and February and can last through May. So, if you have not yet been vaccinated for the flu, see your healthcare provider now. To schedule an appointment for your flu shot or for an annual physical at any of our convenient Primary Medical Care Center community clinics, you may visit our website at www.primarymed.com, or call (305)751-1500 for our Miami-Dade clinic, or (954)289-0000 for our Broward clinic.
Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/misconceptions.htm
https://www.aanp.org/news-feed/what-you-need-to-know-for-national-influenza-vaccination-week-2019