Loyola Experts Say Getting a Flu Shot During COVID-19 Pandemic Has Never Been More Important
September 21, 2020Categories: Pediatrics, Primary Care
Tags: Pediatrics, Primary Care
MAYWOOD, IL – This fall, children and adults should receive a flu shot to prevent widespread illness, as cases of COVID-19 and the seasonal flu are expected to rise, potentially at the same time, says Loyola University Medical Center chief medical officer Kevin Smith, MD. The flu and COVID-19 also share many of the same symptoms.
“Unlike COVID-19, the flu can be prevented by a vaccine,” says Dr. Smith, who appears in the new Loyola Medicine video “COVID-19: Getting a Flu Shot Has Never Been More Important.” Therefore, everyone should get a flu shot, ideally when the vaccine first becomes available in September and October.”
It typically takes two weeks to develop immunity following a flu shot.
“The flu vaccine is especially important for older adults, and anyone with a chronic condition that makes them more vulnerable to severe flu or COVID-19 symptoms and complications,” says Dr. Smith. “It is possible to contract the flu and COVID-19 at the same time. There’s also a real concern that flu and COVID-19 cases may simultaneously spike in the U.S., which could seriously impact the health care system’s ability to optimally care for all patients.”
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention recommends flu shots for anyone older than six months old with “rare exceptions.” The flu season typically runs from October through March. Flu shots are widely available and covered by insurance.
What are the Differences Between Flu and COVID-19 Symptoms?
The flu and COVID-19 share many of the same symptoms, “and it can be really difficult to distinguish between the two,” says Dr. Smith.
However, testing can provide a definitive diagnosis. Both COVID-19 and the flu can cause:
- Fevers
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Sore throat
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Gastrointestinal issues, including vomiting and diarrhea (less common)
How to Stay Healthy This Fall
In addition to getting a flu shot, Dr. Smith recommends that everyone continue to adhere to CDC COVID-19 safety guidelines to prevent illness this fall and winter. The recommendations include:
- Wearing a mask
- Social distancing
- Washing hands frequently
- Covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing
- Staying home if you are not feeling well
- Monitoring your symptoms
When Should I Call the Doctor?
“If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or the flu, you should contact your doctor or a health care provider,” says Dr. Smith. Loyola Medicine offers both in-person and telehealth (video) care.
“It’s also important that you monitor your symptoms and seek immediate care if you or a loved one is having difficulty breathing, no longer eating or drinking, and/or continues to have a high fever, especially one that lasts several days or more."
About Loyola Medicine
Loyola Medicine, a member of Trinity Health, is a nationally ranked academic, quaternary care system based in Chicago's western suburbs. The three-hospital system includes Loyola University Medical Center (LUMC), Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, MacNeal Hospital, as well as convenient locations offering primary care, specialty care and immediate care services from nearly 2,000 physicians throughout Cook, Will and DuPage counties. LUMC is a 547-licensed-bed hospital in Maywood that includes the William G. and Mary A. Ryan Center for Heart & Vascular Medicine, the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, the John L. Keeley, MD, Emergency Department, a Level 1 trauma center, Illinois's largest burn center, the Nancy W. Knowles Orthopaedic Institute, a certified comprehensive stroke center, transplant center and a children’s hospital. Having delivered compassionate care for over 50 years, Loyola also trains the next generation of caregivers through its academic affiliation with Loyola University Chicago’s Stritch School of Medicine and Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing.
For more information, visit loyolamedicine.org. You can also follow Loyola Medicine on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or X (formerly known as Twitter).
About Trinity Health
Trinity Health is one of the largest not-for-profit, faith-based health care systems in the nation. It is a family of 127,000 colleagues and more than 38,300 physicians and clinicians caring for diverse communities across 26 states. Nationally recognized for care and experience, the Trinity Health system includes 93 hospitals, 107 continuing care locations, the second largest PACE program in the country, 142 urgent care locations and many other health and well-being services. In fiscal year 2024, the Livonia, Michigan-based health system invested $1.3 billion in its communities in the form of charity care and other community benefit programs. For more information, visit us at www.trinity-health.org, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X (formerly known as Twitter).