This year’s flu season is even more critical due to the overlapping symptoms of COVID-19, Influenza, and the common cold. One way to help prevent the flu is to receive a flu vaccination, which can protect you from the flu strains that will circulate in the upcoming months.
We are nearing the end of summer, which signals the beginning of the flu season. Between the months of October and April, flu season will be in full swing. Don’t delay in receiving your flu shot. Every year, the total burden of the flu differs, but the CDC has estimated that since 2010, influenza has stricken between 9 million – 45 million people, created the need for hospitalization of 140,000 – 810,000 people, and contributed to 12,000 – 61,000 deaths in the United States annually.
It’s especially important that certain populations receive their flu shot since they are more vulnerable to extreme symptoms. These populations include pregnant women, young children, older people, and people with chronic conditions like COPD, diabetes and heart disease.
We want our patients to know that this flu season is not canceled, so we all need to be ready for it. Here are some important ways Intermountain Health is combatting the flu this year so that we can help our patients live their healthiest lives possible.
Vaccination Stations
Your clinic will be hosting vaccination drives on specific dates. Check the following for the dates that correspond with your primary care clinic. You do not need to make an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome.
Know The Symptoms: Flu, COVID-19, and the common cold
COVID-19, the flu, and the common cold have overlapping symptoms but are caused by different viruses. It’s important to know how these three differ to get the correct treatment for them. You can review the following symptom checker to see what symptoms are similar and which are different. If you do get the flu, you’ll want to call your provider. Tamiflu is a treatment that may be prescribed to help shorten and alleviate your symptoms. COVID-19 currently has no similar treatment at this time, which is why it is important to continue social distancing and to wear masks to prevent the spread of it within our southern Nevada community.
Remember, the flu season is just around the corner. Even if you’re social distancing and wearing masks or cloth face coverings, a flu shot is a safe and proven method for the past 50 years to help prevent you from contracting flu or exhibiting life-threatening symptoms. Intermountain Health urges our southern Nevada community to take the flu seriously and get your flu shot.
