While the novel coronavirus still has many of us living more mindfully, it’s more important than ever to safeguard our health and take preventive measures as best we can. That’s why, to stop the spread of other potentially harmful viruses during the ongoing COVID pandemic, many medical professionals recommend getting your flu shot.
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According to Dr. Atul Nakhasi, a physician from the LA Surge Hospital, “One thing we can unleash on this global pandemic right now is our body's ability to beat the flu” (ABC News). In fact, the CDC estimates that if we improve flu shot rates by just 5 percent, we would avoid nearly 483,000 flu infections: “That extra 5% is the most measurable impact we can have on COVID right now,” said Dr. Nakhasi.
How long has influenza existed?
Several years ago, the influenza pandemic of 1918 took a devastating toll on humanity. It’s estimated to have infected 500 million people, taking the lives of between 17 million and 50 million, making it one of the deadliest pandemics in human history. Fortunately, years of medical advancement have made the common flu more of a nuisance than a guaranteed death certificate.
How many people die from the flu?
According to Rochester Regional Health and the CDC, between October 1, 2019 and April 4, 2020, the flu resulted in:
- 39 to 56 million illnesses
- 410,000 to 740,000 hospitalizations
- 24,000 to 62,000 deaths
- 169 pediatric deaths
While these numbers are way less threatening than those reported over a hundred years ago, the importance of addressing flu symptoms early on cannot be understated, especially since the flu and COVID symptoms are very similar: fever, cough, body aches, fatigue, and headache, and these symptoms can be mild or severe.
How long is the flu contagious?
To date, more than 170 million doses of the flu vaccine have been administered to fight this year's virus. If, however, you do contract the flu despite being vaccinated, how long does the flu last? Rochester Regional reports that people with the flu are most contagious in the first three to four days after symptoms begin. However, healthy adults may sometimes infect others one day before symptoms show and up to five to seven days after becoming ill.
If you or a loved one is experiencing COVID or flu symptoms, be sure to utilize the 24/7 Clever HealthTM Smart Virtual Care (Telemedicine) that are available to you via your OneShare Health Membership.
Smart Virtual Care (Telemedicine) by Clever HealthTM consults via chat, phone, or video are also available to you and your family via the app. Using intelligent intake, local providers, and population health intelligence, Clever HealthTM reduces errors and can provide proper follow-up and ongoing care at local facilities.
Still have questions? Check out the One Share, One Voice blog for CDC updates and other information regarding COVID-19. We’ve even written an article on “How to Talk to Your Kids About COVID-19”!
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
