Wellness: A Flu Season Tip in the Time of Covid-19 (Oct 2020)

A Flu Season Tip in the Time of Covid-19

Q.:  What is the best time to get a flu shot?

A.:  The month of October, especially in the last two weeks.

       The following are the reasons that Dr. Fauci, our Covd-19 expert from the National Institutes of

        Health, always gets his flu shot every year at this time:

• Flu season is from September-May
• Peak flu season is usually December, January, and February
• Our bodies need two weeks following vaccination to reach full antibody strength
• The level of protection gradually diminishes over time
• October is soon enough to beat the peak season and late enough to protect during the whole season
• In you cannot get vaccinated in October, just do it as soon as you can, even into

February and March

    Q.  What is worse than getting Covid-19?

     A.  Getting preventable flu at the same time as contracting Covid-19.

Right NOW is the best time for you and your family to get your flu shots.  

     Q.  Who should get a flu shot?

      A.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months of 

             age and older, including pregnant women, get vaccinated every flu season.

• Check with your physician first if you have special health problems
• Egg-free vaccine is available for those with severe egg allergies
• Those 65 and over can get a high dose vaccine appropriate for older people
• Call ahead to see if your vaccine provider has your desired vaccine in stock
• Vaccines are available at physician offices, clinics, pharmacies, grocery stores

For more information go to <www.cdc.gov/flu>.

Posted 10-26-20 by ISMTA Wellness Coordinator 

Dora Diephouse, NCTM, B.A., R.N., Master of Public Health (MPH)