Flu season begins in October and doesn't end until May. Multiple strains of influenza change and evolve every season. New vaccines are developed every year and are provided by family care physicians to ensure children, adults, and seniors' health and safety. Especially as COVID-19 cases continue to grow, getting a flu shot is a priority in 2020. 

How Is the Flu Related to COVID-19?

While they have similar symptoms, influenza and COVID-19 are not interchangeable. 

Family care physicians have altered their hours, waiting rooms, and methods to ensure patients aren’t exposed to each other in cramped spaces. These procedures protect them from both influenza and COVID-19. 

It's possible to have COVID-19 and influenza concurrently. The flu weakens the body and the immune system, making those with the virus more likely to become infected with COVID-19. Since the immune system has yet to recover from the flu fully, it wouldn't be effective in fighting COVID-19's symptoms. 

There’s also the matter of increased exposure. Getting the flu shot is a straightforward visit to your family care physician. Those who don’t get the vaccination are more likely to sustain influenza, which requires treatment. This means more trips to doctors and pharmacies, which will increase the likelihood of exposure to COVID-19. If the flu symptoms worsen, hospitalization may be necessary. While hospitals are taking all the precautions they can, a stay increases the possibility of COVID-19 exposure, partially due to busy emergency rooms, and partly due to the flu diminishing the immune system response. 

How Can Families Benefit From Flu Vaccinations? 

Infants

Infants under six months are highly susceptible to the flu, as their immune systems are still in the early development stages. However, those who are younger than six months can't get the vaccine. If the other household members get their flu shots, infants will be less likely to catch influenza themselves. 

Children 

Children five-years-old and younger are most vulnerable to influenza. They’re also more likely to sustain flu complications, including dehydration, pneumonia, and encephalopathy.

Having children vaccinated ahead of flu season—in September or early October—will allow them to fight the infection off. The vaccination also decreases the chances of complications. Even those who still become sick won’t be as ill for as long, and their symptoms will be diminished. 

Adults

Adults are the least likely to develop the flu, but there are risk factors for some groups. Teachers and day care workers are more likely to sustain influenza due to their proximity to a large number of children. Adults working in nursing homes or assisted living facilities are also at risk due to the heightened influenza statistics among the elderly. 

Pregnancy causes changes in a woman’s heart, lungs, and immune system. The changes make them more susceptible to the flu, which can even affect children still developing in the womb. They may be born premature and underweight, and have poor overall health.

The vaccine doesn’t have any negative impact on pregnant mothers or their unborn children. Since mothers pass antibodies to developing babies, the vaccine will protect them both. The children will still have the antibodies after birth, improving resistance to influenza during their first year. 

Seniors

Senior citizens 65 and older are at an elevated risk of infection due to their age. T-cells develop in the thymus gland and play an active role in building and maintaining immunity over an individual’s lifetime. Similarly, macrophages are specialized cells that detect, consume, and destroy harmful bacteria. As people age, the functionality of the T-cells and macrophages will diminish steadily, leaving seniors with compromised immune systems. They may experience more intense symptoms, may be ill for longer, or may not be able to fight influenza at all. Vaccinations for both the flu and pneumonia will decrease the likelihood of illnesses occurring. 

How Do Chronic Conditions Affect Influenza? 

Kidney & Liver Disorders

Kidney and liver conditions weaken the immune system. In turn, the flu can intensify kidney and liver disease symptoms and damage the organs. 

Heart Disease 

Those with a history of heart-related conditions are at an elevated risk of a stroke or a heart attack if they have the flu. 

Neurological Disorders

Individuals with Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, Huntington’s disease, or a history of strokes may not have the ability to fight the flu. 

Diabetes (Type-1 and Type-2)

Influenza affects blood glucose levels, causing either prominent spikes or precipitous drops in blood sugar. People with diabetes also have weakened immune systems, which can worsen even minor infections. 

Chronic Respiratory Conditions 

Those with lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asthma have compromised lungs. The flu can exacerbate COPD symptoms and cause asthma attacks. Those with asthma are also at an elevated risk of developing complications like pneumonia after contracting the flu. 

HIV

HIV disease attacks the T-cells in the body. It weakens the immune system, making complications more likely to occur. 

Cancer

Lymphoma and leukemia are known to weaken the immune system. However, any cancer that spreads to the bone marrow can stop the production of blood cells that fight infections. Chemotherapy treatments also take a toll on the immune system, making influenza and complications more likely. 

 

With flu season right around the corner, reach out to Urgent & Primary Care to schedule a vaccination. They accept both appointments and walk-ins and provide their patients with one-on-one and personalized care in a compassionate environment. Their family care physicians will take the time to answer your questions and put your concerns at ease. Serving Albany, NY, and its surrounding areas, you can find out more about their medical services by visiting their website or calling (518) 463-8262.