Written by Dr. Anirudh Venugopal
Director of Infectious Diseases, Optum California, Mission Hills
The influenza virus and the COVID-19 virus cause a wide range of illnesses, and both can cause potentially serious complications. Data continues to show the importance of vaccination to prevent serious outcomes such as hospitalization and death.
In 2023, more than 916,300 people were hospitalized due to COVID-19, and approximately 75,500 people died due to COVID-19. It is estimated that approximately 45,000 people died from influenza complications during the 2023-2024 influenza season.
Staying protected is important to reduce the risk of infection.
How can I protect myself and my family from getting sick?
The best way to reduce your risk of seasonal influenza and COVID-19 is to stay up-to-date on vaccines. Viruses change over time, so you need up-to-date influenza and COVID-19 vaccines for continued immunity.
As we head into this flu season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that, with rare exceptions, everyone 6 months of age and older be at risk for potentially serious complications from the flu this fall. We recommend that you receive the latest 2024-2025 influenza vaccine to help reduce the risk of influenza. winter. Although the CDC recommends influenza vaccination as long as the influenza virus is circulating, the best time to get vaccinated remains September and October for most people.
The virus that causes COVID-19 is constantly changing, and the protection provided by COVID-19 vaccines will decrease over time. CDC recommends that children 6 months and older, regardless of whether they have previously been vaccinated against COVID-19, to help prevent the potentially serious consequences of COVID-19 this fall and winter. We encourage everyone to receive the latest 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine.
The 2024-2025 updated coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine will restore and strengthen protection against the virus variants currently causing most infections and hospitalizations in the United States. I can do that. COVID-19 vaccination also reduces the likelihood of long-term COVID-19 effects, which can develop during or after an acute infection and last for a long time.
It is safe to receive the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines at the same time. The latest COVID-19 vaccines were recently approved or cleared by the FDA and are available from Moderna, Novavax, and Pfizer.
In addition to vaccines, remember the basics of preventing disease. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and throw the tissue in the trash. If you are sick, limit your contact with others to avoid infecting others. Clean and disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated with the virus that causes influenza. If you are prescribed anti-influenza virus medication, take it. Improve air quality by purifying indoor air, collecting it outdoors, or bringing in fresh outdoor air.
Is it the flu or the new coronavirus infection?
Similar symptoms between the flu and COVID-19 include fever/chills, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, fatigue, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea. Loss of taste or smell can occur with the flu, but this is more common with COVID-19.
Symptoms of both of these respiratory illnesses range in severity from near-zero to debilitating. Symptoms of both viruses can be similar, so a diagnosis cannot be made based on symptoms alone. Testing is required for proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Antiviral drugs may be prescribed to people who have either condition and are at high risk of developing serious illness.
Who is at high risk for complications?
It’s important to remember that influenza and COVID-19 can cause complications, especially for people with high-risk factors. These individuals include people age 65 and older. pregnant woman. Adults with certain chronic health conditions such as asthma, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. people with disabilities. People from certain racial and ethnic minority groups, including non-Hispanic blacks, Hispanics or Latinos, and American Indians or Alaska Natives.
Data shows that people from racial and ethnic minorities are more likely to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) compared to non-Hispanic whites. has been. Once infected, racial and ethnic minority populations are more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 at a younger age, be admitted to the ICU, and die.
The importance of prioritizing and scheduling annual health visits with a primary care physician (PCP) is often overlooked. Visits separate from those due to illness, injury, or ongoing medical care can help you get on track and catch problems early. It’s also a good time to review your immunization history and see what vaccinations are recommended throughout the year.
For additional resources and the latest information, visit https://www.optum.com/en/library/health-wellness/page.hub5.flu-shot- important.html.
