Flu season and the pandemic are about to collide. While it is difficult to predict how bad this year’s flu season will be, it is important to be prepared – especially if 2021 continues on the same course! Event without the pandemic, flu season is something to take seriously. Influenza is a life-threatening respiratory virus that can crow emergency rooms and ICUs.
According to the CDC, the 2019-2020 flu season in the United State was moderate with preliminary estimates indicating that there were about 400,000 hospitalizations and about 22,000 fatalities. While these numbers are less than other recent seasons, it was still a record-tying season for the number of children who died from the flu.
With the pandemic still in full swing and the 2020-2021 flu season gearing up, it is more important than ever to take steps to https://www.austinclinic.com.au/ protect the health of you and your family. The flu can leave people vulnerable to harsher attacks on the Coronavirus and coming down with both viruses at once could be disastrous.
“We are facing an even bigger challenge this year with two different viruses – seasonal influenza, which is highly contagious, and the Coronavirus pandemic,” states Huong Teresa Nguyen, DO, a board certified family medicine doctor with Centerpoint Medical Center, part of the HCA Midwest Health. “That’s why it is even more important for you and your family to get a fly shot.”
Here are a couple ways to help reduce the chances of catching a cold, the flu and staying safe:
Flu Shots – a top priority to protect your health
According to a 2018 study, adults who received a flu vaccine were 82% less likely to be admitted to the ICU with the flu. For children, the flu vaccine can be lifesaving – especially under the age of 5.
Continue to Take Preventative Measures
While the flu and pandemic are different viruses, they transmit in similar ways – through exhaled breath, coughing and sneezing. The protocols in place for the pandemic like masks, social distancing, sanitizing high-touch surfaces and proper handwashing can all help prevent the spread of the fly. Also remember to cover coughs and sneezes, stay home when you are not feeling well and stay home until you are fever free for at least 24 hours. Having an antimicrobial electrostatically applied in your home or office is a great way to help protect you, family, friends, and colleagues. MicroShield 360 antimicrobial coating is EPA registered and FDA approved for direct food contact surfaces. The antimicrobial coating system is odorless, colorless and lasts for up to a year on a treated surface. The system helps shield you from harmful bacteria, virus, foul odors, and mold growth.