We should do all we can to prepare for flu season

As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, it's time to shift our focus from the threat of COVID-19 to another annual adversary: the flu. But this year, there's reason to believe we may be in a better position to combat the influenza virus. According to experts, the Southern Hemisphere's recent experience offers some optimism, and the efficacy of this year's flu vaccine is promising. Still, it's essential to remain vigilant and proactive in our preparations for the flu season.

In the Southern Hemisphere, influenza cases appeared earlier than usual, yet they did not lead to a surge in hospitalizations or deaths. This encouraging trend suggests that the precautions we've taken to mitigate the spread of respiratory viruses, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, might have had a positive impact on flu transmission as well. This is a significant reminder of the value of practices like handwashing, mask-wearing, and social distancing in reducing the spread of contagious diseases.

Even more promising is the effectiveness of this year's flu vaccine. A study found that it reduced the risk of flu-related hospitalizations by a substantial 52% in the Southern Hemisphere. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the scientific community in developing vaccines that are tailored to the predominant influenza strains. Alicia Budd, head of the CDC's domestic influenza surveillance team, underscores the vaccine's effectiveness, providing us with a valuable tool to protect our health.

However, it's important to note that predicting the flu season's course in the United States is not always straightforward. Variants can emerge, and the predominant strains may differ from those seen in the Southern Hemisphere. We should heed the advice of Rick Zimmerman, a professor of family medicine and flu epidemiology, by preparing for the unknown. To this end, getting vaccinated remains one of our most potent defenses.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone aged six months and older should receive the flu vaccine. While it's ideal to get vaccinated by the end of October, it's not too late. As long as the flu virus is circulating, you can still benefit from vaccination, which can extend well into the spring.

After getting vaccinated, it takes about a week or two for your body to develop sufficient antibodies to protect you. Antibody levels peak about three to four weeks after vaccination and then gradually decline. Despite this decline, you can still expect protection for approximately four to six months. This immunity, particularly to lung infections, is vital for reducing hospitalizations and deaths due to heart and lung issues, as pointed out by Zimmerman.

We must also recognize the interaction between flu and COVID-19. With COVID-19 cases on the decline, flu cases are likely to increase. While it's rare to contract multiple respiratory viruses at once, there is a timing component. Your body's immune response is temporarily boosted after recovering from one virus, providing protection against another for about a month or two. Given this, the risk of simultaneous infection remains low but not impossible.

In the event that you do fall ill, especially if you are at a higher risk for complications, prompt medical attention is crucial. Distinguishing between the flu and COVID-19 early is essential, as antiviral medication can significantly reduce the severity and duration of the illness. The earlier you seek treatment, the more effective it will be, as highlighted by Alicia Budd of the CDC.

As we prepare for the flu season, we have reason to be cautiously optimistic. The experiences of the Southern Hemisphere and the effectiveness of this year's flu vaccine provide us with hope. However, we must not become complacent. Continue practicing good hygiene, maintain social distancing when necessary, and, most importantly, get vaccinated. It's our collective responsibility to protect ourselves and others, ensuring a healthier and safer flu season for all.