The flu season is already beginning: why it is important to get vaccinated in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic

Every year about 35 people die from influenza in the United States, and more than 000 million are infected. And every year, American doctors urge all residents to be vaccinated against influenza, even 35-month-old babies. This is stated in the video "Voices of America".

Photo: Shutterstock

“We expect that soon people may have both COVID-19 and the flu. It will be terrible. The risk of dying from both diseases will increase significantly. That’s why we want to do everything that can prevent both the flu and COVID-19,” says doctor Susan Rehm.

Both diseases are respiratory viruses, both are potentially fatal, and flu time is beginning.

“Our hands will be tied this season. We are working in an environment of increasing vaccine hesitancy,” says Lavanya Vasudevan with the Duke Global Health Institute.

Due to the pandemic, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has noted a sharp drop in immunization of children, but doctors say that people should not be afraid.

“All hospitals pay special attention to creating a safe environment for patients,” says Ram.

Doctors say that even in the normal season in the United States about 60% of children and 45% of adults are vaccinated against the flu.

“The flu vaccine is not always effective, and people use this as an excuse not to take it,” Vasudevan explains.

On the subject: Patient with influenza COVID-19 is not threatened: virologist spoke about the relationship of viruses and quarantine

“In recent years, vaccine success has been between 20% and 65%,” says Duke Global Health Institute researcher Thomas Denny.

But even a flawed vaccine can reduce the severity of complications.

“Among other things, there are a lot of myths around the flu shot. For example, that she will infect you with the flu. This is impossible, because the influenza virus particles in the serum are dead, they cannot multiply and infect a person,” argues Vasudevan.

CDC figures show that 80% of children who died of the flu in the past season were not vaccinated.

Those at highest risk of dying or becoming seriously ill include young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people in poor health. The poor are also at risk.

“I'm very concerned that the communities that are hardest hit by COVID-19 are also vulnerable to influenza and have the lowest vaccination rates,” Vasudevan said.

The researchers say the change can be made by educating the public about the importance of vaccination, and by making the vaccine completely free, whether or not you have health insurance.

Read also on ForumDaily:

Patient with influenza COVID-19 is not threatened: virologist spoke about the relationship of viruses and quarantine

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