Also known as influenza, the flu is a viral upper respiratory infection. It is spread through airborne respiratory droplets and person-to-person contact in Hawaii. The flu usually comes on suddenly and includes fever, chills and sweats, headache, dry cough, and muscle aches. While most people feel better in about a week and eventually recover completely, some develop serious and sometimes deadly complications. People at risk for complications include the very young and the very old and those with underlying chronic medical conditions.
While the influenza virus is always present, it tends to spread more quickly when more people are doing indoor activities. Late fall through the winter is known as flu season for this reason. Most people are recommended to get a flu shot to protect them from complications of infection. Getting inoculated against the flu is an even higher priority this flu season because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
THE FLU SHOT
Once infected with a particular strain of influenza, your body produces antibodies that protect you from re-infection with the same strain. Unfortunately, the viruses that cause influenza are constantly changing, with new strains emerging all the time. Flu shots protect against severe infection and complications from the most common strains of influenza. That is why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone age six months and older receive a flu shot yearly. There are some exceptions, which the CDC lists on its website.
Flu shots do not protect against every possible strain of influenza in Hawaii. Rather, annual research identifies which four strains are likely to be most common during the upcoming flu season. The vaccine is then formulated to protect against those strains.
While many people who get flu shots will not contract influenza, the vaccination is not 100% effective at preventing infection. However, it does lessen both the severity and duration of symptoms. In other words, even if you do get the flu after getting vaccinated against it, the infection probably won’t last as long as it would have without the flu shot, and you probably won’t feel as sick as you would if you hadn’t gotten the vaccine. Because the infection is less severe, there is less chance of developing complications, such as pneumonia, that could require hospitalization. The CDC especially recommends flu shots for people at risk for complications, including those with chronic illnesses and those who are pregnant or have recently given birth.
THE FLU AND CORONAVIRUS
While the CDC always recommends that everyone gets flu shots every year, it is particularly imperative for this coming flu season because of the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, and the CDC is urging it even more strongly than before. There are several reasons behind the increased urgency.
Last year, measures taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as masks and social distancing, also affected the number of flu infections. Compared to previous years, flu was much less common. This year, as more people have been vaccinated against COVID-19 and have begun to resume their normal activities, they have less antibody protection against the flu, meaning that it could spread more easily and cause more severe infection.
Protection against severe infection helps to decrease the risk of hospitalization. This helps to ease the strain on the health care system that results from new outbreaks of COVID-19.
The symptoms of influenza and COVID-19 can be very similar. Getting your flu shot help to prevent you from confusing the symptoms of one for the other.
STAYING HEALTHY THIS FLU SEASON
With the threat of COVID-19 still lingering, the best thing you can do to protect yourself and stay healthy is to get vaccinated against both diseases. If you have not already had your COVID-19 vaccine, you can get it and your flu shot at the same time. Remember that while most COVID vaccines require two shots, the flu shot only needs one.
While COVID-19 and influenza may be spreading at the same time, there are other things you can do to prevent infection with either:
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Avoid crowds as much as possible
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Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after sneezing or coughing
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Try not to touch your mouth, eyes, or nose
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Clean surfaces that are touched frequently to remove germs
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If you are sick, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever breaks
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Avoid others who are sick
Measures such as these are particularly important if you haven’t yet been fully vaccinated against either the flu or COVID-19.
We require an appointment for Covid-19 Testing, which can be scheduled online. We do not schedule appointments over the phone or via email; please visit our website to set up your appointment. Contact us with any questions you may have.
FLU PREVENTION FAQ
Q: WHO SHOULD GET THE FLU VACCINE?
A: Everyone, age 6-months or older.
Q: ARE THERE EXCEPTIONS?
A: Yes, the CDC has a list of exceptions on their website. If you fall under the exemptions listed on the CDC’s website and/or have any questions about the flu shot, please consult your doctor. Each person has a unique health profile and history. It’s best to consult your primary care physician, who can help you make the best decision for you.
Q: CAN I GET THE FLU VACCINE AND COVID-19 VACCINE AT THE SAME TIME?
A: Yes. We highly recommend getting both vaccinations as soon as possible.
Q: SHOULD SOMEONE WHO IS PREGNANT AND/OR HAS CERTAIN CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS GET A FLU SHOT?
A: Yes, the CDC lists which chronic health conditions may increase your risk of developing serious flu complications.
Q: MAY I GET THE FLU SHOT AT DOCTORS OF WAIKIKI?
A: Yes. We are a walk-in clinic, so you don’t need an appointment. We are open from 8 am to midnight daily.
Q: MAY I ALSO GET THE COVID-19 VACCINE AT DOCTORS OF WAIKIKI?
A: No, we are not currently administering the Covid-19 vaccine, but we highly recommend everyone get vaccinated to protect themselves, your ‘ohana, and the rest of our community.