As Canada heads into the fall and winter, infections from viruses like the flu will become more common. Since vaccines against one type of virus won't protect you from infections due to another virus, it's important to get a flu shot even if you've already been immunized against COVID-19.
Read on to learn more about the differences between COVID-19 and the flu, and how to protect yourself from infection this upcoming flu season.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/COVID-19-and-the-Flu-Shot-What-You-Need-to-Know
One common myth around COVID-19 infections is that a person can only get sick from either COVID-19 or the flu, but not both. In fact, it is possible to be infected with COVID-19 and the flu, and this is something you want to avoid.
COVID-19 is similar in many ways to the flu in that both of them are contagious respiratory illnesses, meaning they affect your lungs and breathing, and can be spread to others. Both COVID-19 and the flu can spread from person to person through droplets when an infected person sneezes or coughs. In some cases, the viruses can be spread when a person touches an infected surface (e.g., doorknobs, countertops, telephones) and then touches their nose, mouth, or eyes.
While the flu and COVID-19 are caused by different viruses, both can cause you to experience fever, cough, body aches, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea (especially in children).
Certain symptoms like shortness of breath and loss of smell or taste are more commonly associated with COVID-19 than the flu. However, COVID-19 symptoms can vary depending on which strain you've been infected with.
Because of these similarities, it can be difficult to tell the difference between the flu and COVID-19 when symptoms appear.
If you start to develop symptoms, follow the precautions recommended for COVID-19 infections set out by your local public health unit.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/COVID-19-and-the-Flu-Shot-What-You-Need-to-Know
Flu season in Canada typically starts in October, but it can vary from season to season.Canadians can predict the severity of their flu season based on what has recently happened during the winter season in countries in the southern hemisphere (e.g., Australia).
Data from the 2023 flu season suggests that there were more cases and hospitalizations compared to the years before the COVID-19 pandemic. Initial data from Australia suggests an early start to the 2024 flu season with a greater impact on children, however it remains unclear whether the flu season will look like this in Canada.
On the other hand, COVID-19 exposure rates are more closely linked to factors such as your exposure to crowded public areas with poor ventilation, participation in activities that involve heavy breathing (e.g., singing, shouting), and the type of COVID-19 strain circulating in your community (variants).
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/COVID-19-and-the-Flu-Shot-What-You-Need-to-Know
While the flu shot won't protect you from other viral infections like COVID-19, it's important to protect yourself from influenza for several reasons:
- COVID-19 has caused an enormous strain on the health care system across the nation. During a normal winter season, the flu results in a significant number of hospitalisations. It's critical that people do what they can to help keep hospitals and other health care facilities from getting overwhelmed. For this reason, getting a flu shot is more important than ever this year for everyone 6 months and older.
- Receiving a COVID-19 vaccine does not protect you against the flu, as these viruses are different. COVID-19 vaccines have only been found to offer protection from COVID-19-related disease and its complications.
- The flu shot not only protects you from getting the flu, but it also protects people around you. This is especially important if you have a family member who is at high risk for severe illness from both viral infections (e.g., those with chronic health conditions, seniors, young children, pregnant women).
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/COVID-19-and-the-Flu-Shot-What-You-Need-to-Know
Here is what we know so far about the timing of your influenza and COVID-19 vaccines:
- While research is ongoing about the timing of vaccines, Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends that individuals 6 months of age and older receive a flu shot at the same time as their COVID-19 vaccine. Currently, there's no evidence suggesting that getting both vaccines at the same time would affect the efficacy of the flu shot or the COVID-19 vaccine, nor is there a higher risk of side effects.
- Speak to your health care provider if you have concerns about the timing of your vaccinations.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/COVID-19-and-the-Flu-Shot-What-You-Need-to-Know
The flu vaccine is typically available to the public starting in mid-October. One of the most common reasons that people don't get their flu shot is due to trouble finding the time to get an appointment.
It's important to keep in mind that you can get the flu shot in many different places including pharmacies, doctor's offices, public health vaccine clinics, and certain workplace clinics. Your vaccination site may also have COVID-19 vaccines available if you wish to receive both at the same time.
In many provinces and territories, flu vaccines are publicly funded so that they're available for free. However, some flu vaccines, such as high-dose flu vaccines recommended for certain age groups, may not be covered depending on where you live. Ask your health care provider to learn more about your flu shot eligibility and whether you should receive a COVID-19 booster dose.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/COVID-19-and-the-Flu-Shot-What-You-Need-to-Know
