For some of us, the tissue boxes came out early this year, as head colds began to surface unexpectedly during the hot summer months. In fact, with fewer masks being worn, more in-person gatherings, and less social distancing, we finally had concrete proof that the COVID precautions we dutifully followed earlier in the pandemic did in fact keep us safe from other afflictions as well. We previously noted on agebuzz that last year’s flu was much less prevalent and less severe than expected, largely due to the public health protections implemented to help curb the spread of COVID. What we will now face this Fall, however, is uncertain, given the loosening of restrictions, the opening of schools, and the return to work for so many. Because scientists had little influenza virus from last year to help develop this year’s flu vaccine, it’s not clear whether or not this year’s vaccine will be as effective or if the flu will return with a vengeance this Fall. We do know that the flu season in the Southern Hemisphere this past summer was mild for the second year in a row, which bodes well for us in North America. But as one expert exclaimed, “Influenza is unpredictable.” 

What we do know, and what we have learned, is that precautions work on viruses and the same sorts of public health measures we instituted for COVID should be used for the flu: Frequent hand washing is essential, staying home when you don’t feel well limits viral spread, and covering your face with a mask limits the aerosol spread of virus, for both COVID and influenza. It is possible that because so few were exposed to influenza last year, the virulence of this year’s flu season could be more intense. One thing is very clear, however. Regardless of how much time and attention is being paid to the COVID vaccine and the controversy involving the unvaccinated, public health officials emphasize that it’s critical we don’t forget the flu vaccine this year. As one expert implored, “With all the focus on the COVID vaccine, we want people to keep in mind this year the importance of the flu vaccine.”

While influenza is not as lethal as COVID, and while no vaccine is 100% effective, getting your flu vaccine this year is vitally important. The good news is that you can get the vaccine at the same time you get your COVID vaccine or your COVID booster. No need to schedule a second visit-it’s just likely that each vaccination will go in a separate arm! As in previous years, it’s recommended that you get your flu vaccine by the end of October at the latest, especially as there is some concern that the flu may arrive earlier than in previous years. And while once again there will be special flu vaccines to produce a more robust immune response in older adults, experts recommend that if those specialized strains are not available in your area, any of the flu vaccines will provide good protection, so better not to wait.

Interestingly, some experts believe that the combination of influenza and the likely staying power of COVID will work together to gradually alter societal behavior more broadly when it comes to public health measures to limit viral spreads. Dr. Scott Gottlieb (formerly head of the FDA) recently wrote an op-ed where he described what he envisions will happen going forward. Especially during peak times of flu and COVID, Gottlieb expects it will become the norm for businesses to encourage telecommuting, reduce density in the office, video conference rather than gather in conference rooms, encourage not only those who are sick but who have sick family members, to stay home, along with other sorts of protections we previously never adopted during the flu season. In fact, while flu is not as lethal as COVID, it does cause thousands of deaths a year and millions of dollars of economic damage. Now combined with COVID, it seems we can no longer ignore those statistics. To find out more, grab your Tamiflu and click here.