We are on the verge of influenza or “flu” season. Nobody can reliably predict what’s going to happen this year with our influenza season. However, Dr. Gastaldo has some concerns.
Over the last two years, because of masking, distancing and us being isolated, we have not really seen a lot of flu cases. Subsequently, we don’t have a lot of flu immunity in the community. Each year, what’s happening in the southern hemisphere can act as a “canary in the coal mine.” Australia and New Zealand were hit hard with influenza, H3N2. That can be a sign that we may have a bad flu season this year.
We all have COVID fatigue. We’re all getting back together. People are not wearing a mask in the same context as we were over the last two years. So, Dr. Gastaldo is concerned this year will be a more severe flu season.
Dr. Gastaldo shares his flu season recommendation: “The best advice I give to all people is to get a flu shot. The flu shot is FDA approved and CDC-recommended for everybody six months or older. And remember, just like the COVID-19 vaccine, the flu shot best protects you for being hospitalized or dying from influenza.”
Conditions & Care
Categories:
Prevention, Winter