COVID-19 and flu shots: Why you should get it, and when

Is the flu shot more important this year?

Every year, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, along with other leading medical experts, highly recommend every eligible person receive a flu shot.

Has COVID-19 changed this?

“This upcoming season, the flu shot carries more importance that perhaps ever before,” said Dr. Elfatih Abter, Director of Infectious Disease at McLaren Lapeer Region. “Until we have a vaccine against the coronavirus, it’s crucial to protect against the flu in order to prevent co-infections of both illnesses, as this has happened according to published reports.”

While the flu shot will not prevent a COVID-19 infection, it will – by design – aid in preventing a flu infection, or lead to less-severe symptoms if infected. Influenza vaccinations have historically resulted in decreased deaths and fewer hospitalizations.

The importance of the vaccine, though, in regard to the pandemic is that a flu shot protects against overwhelming the immune system with potential simultaneous infections of influenza and COVID-19.

In the spring of 2020, during the end of the traditional flu season and as the coronavirus was sweeping across the United States, it was discovered that simultaneous infections were possible.

“Besides preventing flu, getting the flu shot will lead to prevention of a dual infection. A duel flu and COVID-19 infection could certainly overwhelm the immune system and devastate the body,” Dr. Abter said. “Until we have a viable vaccine for the coronavirus, there’s added importance to protect ourselves against those illnesses science and medicine have enabled us to defend against.”

When should you get your flu shot?

With physicians and medical professionals stressing more than ever before the importance of the flu vaccine, the question then becomes: When should I get the flu shot?

Does the COVID-19 pandemic mean the flu shot should be gotten sooner? Later?

“The presence of COVID-19 doesn’t affect the timing of the annual flu season,” Dr. Abter said. “The CDC still recommends getting the shot early to ensure it’s effective by the start of the season and lasts all the way through.”

Dr. Abter recommends getting the shot in by the end of October, but no later than the end of November.

Make an appointment with a McLaren Lapeer Region physician to get your flu shot.