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FLU SEASON AND COVID-19
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
As with most everything else this year, the upcoming flu season will be viewed through a lens of concern with COVID-19 still in our midst.
The prospect of having these viruses circulating at the same time, one currently without a vaccine and very similar in symptoms, is weighing heavily on the minds of healthcare providers everywhere. It will take a concerted effort on everyone’s part to mitigate what could potentially be a challenging situation.
To reduce the impact on our communities, hospitals and healthcare systems, doctors agree that it’s imperative that everyone older than six months of age gets a flu vaccination as recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“Influenza and COVID-19 share many overlapping symptoms, making it difficult to discern between one another,” said Dr. Debra Murray, epidemiologist and medical director of Saint Francis Infection Control Services.
“It could be very possible and detrimental if a person got both the flu and COVID-19. We don’t know exactly how that would play out, which is why we highly recommend getting the flu vaccine this year.”
Even with the ongoing situation of COVID-19 this season, flu prevention measures remain the same at Saint Francis Health System. “While we’re learning more each day about COVID-19, we have decades of research at our disposal in regards to flu prevention, including modeling and tracking it’s impact in other countries,” said Dr. Murray. “Our flu prevention measures remain consistent and we will continue to coordinate in the best way to get vaccinations out to the community.”
“This year the community flu vaccination efforts, led by Warren Clinic, will be different with drive-thru vaccination services with social distancing and universal masking in place,” said Dr. Lance King, medical director of Warren Clinic. “Saint Francis Health System also has the goal of one hundred percent vaccination among its employees to provide the best, safest coverage as healthcare providers.”
– Dr. Lance King, medical director of Warren Clinic
DIFFERENCES AND SIMILARITIES BETWEEN FLU AND COVID-19
COVID-19 and the flu are both contagious respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses—and symptoms of each are so very similar.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), if you are showing symptoms of either the flu or COVID-19, it's important to contact your physician for triage, lab test orders and care guidance.
For detailed information about the key differences between the flu and COVID-19, please visit www.CDC.gov.
While the efficacy of flu vaccination may vary from year to year, based on the circulation of various strains of influenza, the overall impact on the nation’s healthcare system is significant. In a time where COVID-19 has already taxed and overwhelmed healthcare providers, helping ease that pressure by simply getting a flu shot is one way the public can support front line workers.
“The CDC recommends everyone get a flu shot in October if possible,” said Dr. King. “The reasoning behind this is that we cannot predict exactly when the virus will arrive and early distribution will allow people to build antibodies to influenza which can remain effective up to five or six months later.”
If you are unsure of your health status in regards to getting the flu vaccine, speak with your primary care physician. There are different vaccination options available, with each providing valuable coverage during a flu season. For example, the intranasal vaccine is indicated only for healthy persons ages 2 through 49.
“Egg allergy is no longer a contraindication to getting a flu shot,” said Dr. Murray. “Pregnant women and people who are immunocompromised especially need the flu shot, they just should not get the live attenuated (intranasal) vaccine.” “The most important message is that the flu vaccine is really for overall public health.”
Certainly the concern of a “twindemic” this flu season has healthcare providers planning early for the fall and winter. However, there is a glimmer of hope to the moment, which are the current pandemic safety and hygiene measures already in place for COVID-19.
Wearing a mask, washing your hands frequently as well as cleaning highly used surfaces and practicing social distancing could contribute to lessening the severity of this year’s flu cases.
“There are reports coming in from health experts in the southern hemisphere where the flu seems to be having less of an impact than previous years. They think it’s secondary to people practicing social distancing, masking and more robust hygiene because of the pandemic,” said Dr. Murray.
That’s a good thing. One that we should all continue to be vigilant about each day.
For more current information regarding this year’s flu season as well as COVID-19 updates, please visit: cdc.gov/flu.
WARREN CLINIC DRIVE-THRU FLU VACCINATIONS
Saint Francis and Warren Clinic are here to help you stay healthy and avoid the flu. Visit one of our local drive-thru flu vaccination clinics in Tulsa or Muskogee—no appointment needed. Drive-thru flu vaccinations are available to those aged 9 and older*. The cost of a flu shot is covered by most insurance plans. High-dose flu vaccine is available to those aged 65 and older. Visit saintfrancis.com/flu for more information or call 918-488-6688.
TULSA AREA
Warren Clinic Tower
6600 South Yale Northwest Parking Lot Tulsa, OK 74136
October 1 - November 6
Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
MUSKOGEE AREA
Saint Francis Hospital Muskogee–East Campus
2900 North Main Street Muskogee, OK 74401
October 12 - 14 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
October 19 - 21 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
*COVID-19 safety precautions will be in place at each flu vaccination clinic site.
