PCHD: Flu shots more important this year

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It’s October, and that means it’s also the beginning of flu season. According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, more than 100,000 Missourians become sick with the flu each year, with some becoming seriously ill with others requiring hospitalization. This year’s season comes with the added complication of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has raised a number of concerns for both area residents and public health officials. “This year, not only will we be trying to combat the flu, but we will also be continuing to deal with the spread of COVID-19 in our community,” said Perry County Health Department assistant director and epidemiologist Liz House. “Flu and COVID-19 are both respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by two different viruses.” Complicating the matter, House said, is the fact that influenza and COVID-19 share many of similar symptoms, making it difficult to tell the difference between them. “Getting a test may be the only way to know for sure if someone has flu, COVID, or both,” House said. Most people who get the flu will recover without complications, but some can become hospitalized or develop life-threatening complications such as pneumonia. For others, the flu may make chronic medical conditions, such as asthma or heart disease, even worse. Individuals most at risk for the flu are children under the age of 5, adults over 65, pregnant women, those with weakened immune systems, or those with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease. As a result, DHSS and local health departments are strongly encouraging Missouri residents — especially those at increased risk — to get a flu vaccination by the end of October. “We always put individual patients first, and because of that, we are concerned that fewer than half of Missouri adults typically get a flu vaccine,” said DHSS director Dr. Randall Williams in a news release. “This year, we want to do better. Do it for yourself, or do it to protect your loved ones.” House, who spoke to the Republic-Monitor on Wednesday, said, that while the flu shot won’t do anything to help fight off possible infection by COVID-19, it could certainly help eliminate some confusion. “It is possible for someone to have the flu and other respiratory illnesses, such as COVID-19, at the same time,” said House, adding that is still unknown how someone infected with both disease at the same time will be affected. “Getting your flu shot will not doing anything to help your body fight COVID-19, but it will help your body build immunity to fight the flu so if you do develop symptoms that are similar to both the flu and COVID, your flu vaccine is one more piece of the puzzle to help your physician make a diagnosis.“ House said that while some people experience complaints after their flu vaccine ranging from soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site, other complaints such as headaches or a low-grade fever are more rare. “Some people who get vaccinated may still get sick with the flu at some point during the flu season,” House said. “The flu vaccine is not 100 percent effective in preventing the flu, but it does provide your body an additional layer of protection. If you are someone who still becomes sick, having your flu vaccine reduces your risk of serious side effects and your symptoms from the flu may be milder.” Both House and DHSS recommend that everyone over 6 months of age should receive the flu vaccine each flu season, which typically begins in October and ends in May. While the flu vaccine is covered by most insurances, there is also a state-funded vaccine available for both children and adults at the Perry County Health Department. According to House, the county health department will be offering several opportunities for the public to receive their flu vaccine, including a pair of walk-in clinics scheduled for 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Oct. 13 and again on Oct. 27 at the Perry Park Center in Perryville, and from noon-5 p.m. on Oct. 21 and Nov. 18 at Altenburg City Hall. “Individuals can also make an appointment at our office Monday through Thursday or for one of our late clinics that last until 6 p.m. on the first Monday and third Thursday of each month,” House said. The Perry County Health Department may be reached by calling 573-547-6564. More information about influenza is available online at health.mo.gov/flu. “Flu puts a strain on our healthcare system with hospitalizations, doctor’s office visits, and so on,” House said. “The [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] estimates that during the 2018-2019 flu season, flu vaccinations prevented an estimated 58,000 flu-related hospitalizations. This year, our health care system will also be dealing with the additional strain of COVID-19. By more individuals receiving the flu vaccine this year, we help protect those who are most vulnerable from the flu that may end up hospitalized or have more severe complications as a result.”