The flu shot is here – and it’s life-saving in the time of COVID-19

Each year, The Center for Advanced Pediatrics urges you to get your whole family vaccinated against the flu – everyone from 6 months of age on up. This year, COVID-19 makes getting the flu shot absolutely life-saving.

Research has confirmed that people can be infected with the flu and COVID-19 at the same time, complicating diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Contracting the flu will weaken your child’s immune system, making it more likely they will contract COVID-19 if exposed. The rapid decline in health caused by the flu along with a hesitancy to get medical care at this time means children and adults will likely be seriously ill before seeking treatment. Children will be sicker, recovery will be more difficult and the risk of long-term complications will be much higher.

Influenza, or flu, and COVID-19 are caused by different viruses but both are respiratory illnesses and their symptoms can be similar. Flu symptoms include:

• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Possible fever
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Vomiting and diarrhea, usually in children

If your child has asthma or a heart condition, getting the flu can mean hospitalization and life-long health complications. Last year, over 55,000 people were hospitalized for the flu and over 165 children died of flu complications. Otherwise healthy children can develop serious, life-threatening complications, including:

• Pneumonia
• Dehydration
• Inflammation of the heart
• Encephalopathy
• Inflammation of muscles
• Lung failure
• Kidney failure

Healthy children and adults vaccinated should be vaccinated as they can easily spread the virus to at-risk family members, friends and in public spaces. Getting your healthy child vaccinated against the flu builds herd immunity in our communities.

The flu is beginning its season shortly and will not end until mid to late May. Getting vaccinated now protects your family for months. Last year’s flu shot is no longer protecting your child. A new vaccination, formulated to battle this year’s viruses, is necessary.

The CDC is urging everyone who is medically able, including all children over 6 months of age, to be vaccinated against the flu no later than October 31st.