COVID cases in California are down from their peak, but the start of flu season is increasing the risk for what some public health experts call a “twindemic”– a simultaneous winter surge in COVID-19 and influenza.
“When the temperature and humidity drop and we spend more time indoors in close proximity, many viruses transmit better,” says Susan Huang, MD, MPH, UCI Health Medical Director for Epidemiology and Infection Prevention. “Getting the flu vaccine now can reduce your risk for complications later this winter.”
We spoke with Dr. Huang to better understand how we can continue keeping our communities healthy, including the importance of the flu vaccine, and the possible risks posed by a “twindemic.”
Can you get the flu at the same time as COVID-19?
“Yes, cases of simultaneous flu and COVID-19 have been reported in other countries. Both viruses cause a large number of deaths on their own. We already have 10 million cases of COVID-19 in the US and 200,000 deaths. Each year in the US, 35-40 million people contract the flu and 40,000 die from it. It stands to reason that there will be an intersection of these illnesses this winter, and that the combination could be more severe than either alone.”
How serious is the flu on its own?
Flu kills approximately 40,000 people every year in the U.S. and approximately 500,000 globally. We expect half a million people to be hospitalized with the flu every winter season. The flu often causes high fever, headache and muscle aches, and causes you to miss many days of work or school.
Why is it more important to get a flu shot this year?
First, it is important to get the flu vaccine every year. Not only does the flu vaccine protect against getting the flu in the first place, but even if you happen to get the flu, the vaccine protects you from severe disease. Second, because flu is a contagious disease, getting the flu vaccine not only protects you, but it protects your family, friends, and co-workers. This can be especially important if you or your family are at higher risk due to young or old age, pregnancy, or chronic diseases. Third, receiving the flu vaccine is especially important this year due to the real risk of dual disease with flu and COVID-19.
How effective is this year’s flu vaccine?
Since the flu season hasn’t begun, we don’t yet know. However, flu vaccines for the Northern Hemisphere are designed based on which strains were most prevalent during the Southern Hemisphere’s flu season several months prior. The accuracy of this process can vary year to year, but in general, people who receive the flu vaccine are half as likely to become ill with the flu compared to those who do not receive the vaccine.
When should I get my flu shot?
September and October are excellent times to receive the flu vaccine and be protected the full season. If you haven’t done so already, now is the time. It takes about two weeks, but up to a month, to develop protective antibody after receiving the vaccine, so, ideally, you want to receive the vaccine at least a month before flu begins circulating. Even so, it’s never too late to receive the vaccine anytime during flu season.
Where can I get my flu shot?
The flu vaccine is widely available in pharmacies and doctors’ offices, and many pharmacies offer “walk-up” service, no appointment required.
What else should I do to reduce my risk for the flu?
Follow the same guidelines you currently follow for COVID-19: wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, practice general social distancing, and keep your distance from anyone with cold or flu symptoms. When we all do our part, we can minimize transmission and keep our communities healthy.
As new information about COVID-19 transmission becomes available, Irvine Company is working in close partnership with UCI Health to ensure our approach to workplace wellness continues to support our customers’ well-being and business success. For more information, visit ComeBackWithConfidence.com.
