Jamie:
This is MedTalk, presented by HCA Midwest Health. I'm Jamie Monticelli with Dr. Rachael Hailey, board certified family medicine physician with Lee Summit Medical Center and HCA Midwest Health. Flu season and COVID-19 are about to crash, so now what? As if the coronavirus wasn't enough to worry about, the 2020/2021 flu season is gearing up, giving those already nervous about every cough and sneeze more to fret over. Like, is my sore throat due to the flu or COVID-19? And what about those body aches and pains? The 2019/2020 flu season in the United States was mild according to the CDC, but a mild flu season still takes a toll. In the preliminary numbers, the CDC said the cases ranged from 39 million to 56 million, resulting in up to 740,000 hospitalizations and from 24,000 to 62,000 flu related deaths.

Jamie:
The flu is a life-threatening respiratory virus that crowds emergency rooms and intensive care units and share symptoms with COVID-19. The flu can leave patients vulnerable to a harsher attack of COVID-19, doctors believe, and that coming down with both viruses at once could be disastrous. So Dr. Haley, we're all wearing masks, we're practicing good hygiene, and we're trying to social distance. Why is getting a flu shot a top priority to protect your health?

Dr. Hailey:
Jamie, that's a great question. I have patients who ask that very thing all the time. Of all the protocols, mask wearing, social distancing, vigilant hand-washing, staying home when you are sick. All of these can apply to the flu as well as the coronavirus for reducing the spread of these viruses. So we are facing an even bigger challenge this year with two different viruses occurring at the same time. It's more important than ever to get your flu shot. It doesn't just protect you, it protects your family and the community. Vaccinating will keep instances of the flu down, which will help temper the number of hospitalizations required for this illness, thus helping to reserve medical resources to deal with COVID-19 cases. Surveillance for the flu begins in early October, with the seasonal case count typically peaking in January, February, but that can be earlier or later. And in the 2018/19 flu season, in the U.S. only, 45% of adults over 18 got the vaccine, with rates for those ages, 18 to 50, considerably lower.

Jamie:
We have to ask this question, do healthy people get the flu?

Dr. Hailey:
Yes. No matter how much you take care of yourself, you're still susceptible to this virus. Here's some important things to remember about who should get the shot, what it does for you and how you can still take preventative measures after the vaccine. The flu vaccine is recommended for children six months of age and older. And especially for those in high risk groups, including those 65 and older, pregnant women and people with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and asthma. Even though a vaccine may be less effective against a particular strain, it can actually still reduce the severity of the flu if you would get it. And after you get the vaccine, focus on boosting your immune system by eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, hydrating, exercising, and getting plenty of sleep.

Jamie:
I've had friends and family who have gotten the flu shot and then tell me they got the flu. Can that happen?

Dr. Hailey:
All right, let me bust that myth right now. The flu vaccine does not give you the flu. After receiving the flu vaccine though, you might feel your body's natural immune response to the viruses antigens. You may even feel flu-ish, but that is a good thing. It's your body's way of saying, I am ready for the flu. And you will likely not get as sick, even if you do get the flu.

Jamie:
We hear every day, from officials, that there is an added urgency for a flu shot this year. And apart from the symptoms the ailment share and concerns about confusing them. So what's going on.

Dr. Hailey:
It's true. Many symptoms of influenza and COVID-19, both respiratory infections are similar. Symptoms that both can share initially can include sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, cough, achiness, fever or feeling feverish and chills, headache and even diarrhea. It can be difficult to figure out which infection a patient may have based on symptoms alone. And realistically, testing may be needed to confirm. We believe that the flu can leave patients vulnerable to a harsher attack of COVID-19, and that coming down with both viruses at once could be devastating. All of this underscores the need to get your flu shot now, this year more than any other year ever.

Jamie:
So break it down. How can you tell if it is a cold, the flu or COVID-19?

Dr. Hailey:
That's the million dollar question. Unfortunately, multiple symptoms of all three can be similar, so it can be difficult to figure out which the patient has based on symptoms alone. And realistically, testing may be needed to help confirm. Symptoms that they all can share initially can include sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, cough, achiness, fever or feeling feverish and chills. We believe that the flu can leave patients vulnerable to a harsher attack of COVID-19, and that coming down with both viruses at once could be devastating. All of this underscores the need to get your flu shot this year more than any other year ever.

Jamie:
Thanks to Dr. Rachel Haley, board certified family medicine physician with Lee Summit Medical Center and HCA Midwest Health. This has been MedTalk, presented by HCA Midwest Health. I'm Jamie Monticelli.