In the midst of panic surrounding the coronavirus, people have seemingly forgotten about another deadly infectious disease that’s circulating the United States. The flu. Maybe it’s because the flu goes around every year and people are familiar with it, people tend to underestimate its danger. According to the CDC, this season alone, an estimated 10,000 to 25,000 deaths have occurred from the flu. It seems to me, this is what people need to be more worried about catching.
Typical flu symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, chills, and a sore throat. Most people recover after a couple weeks. However, severe complications that may be life threatening can occur. Elderly people, children under 5, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical conditions are at high risk for developing complications. This is why getting vaccinated is so important. The exact effectiveness of this year’s flu shot is not known yet but studies show that the flu vaccine can reduce the risk of illness by 40 to 60%.
If you’re reading this and have yet to get a flu shot, you may be wondering, is there still time? Is it too late? It is recommended to get the flu vaccine by the end of October before flu season peaks. However, it is possible for flu season to last as late as May. As long as the virus is circulating getting vaccinated can be beneficial, even in February. But just know, it takes up to 2 weeks to become effective. If you have yet to get the flu shot, I recommended going as soon as possible. Its takes 5 minutes, its often free, and better to be safe than sorry.
Bonus fact: All of the flu vaccines made this year are egg free and safe for people with egg allergies! Go get your flu shot!
Microbiology by Madeline 