By Dr. William Ellert, Abrazo Health
With the first cold front of 2021 arriving this weekend, health experts say that receiving this year’s influenza vaccination is an important addition to everyone’s to-do list, especially as COVID-19 continues to remain active in Arizona.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, getting a flu shot offers the greatest protection against the flu, and annual vaccination is recommended for all individuals six months or older who do not have specific medical conditions that would be exacerbated by the vaccine.
Getting vaccinated against the flu — and COVID-19 — is a simple and proven way to protect yourself.
When you get a flu shot, you reduce your risk of contracting influenza by 50% to 80%. The flu shot gives you a great deal of protection and helps reduce the risk of the particularly dangerous combination of flu plus COVID co-infection, which we unfortunately saw during flu season last year.
In addition to all of the normal risks associated with complications of flu infection, COVID-19 continues to pose an additional threat during this year’s flu season.
Receiving the COVID-19 vaccine and booster, and getting your flu shot, will help the Valley’s health care system during an already busy time of year.
Our doctors, nurses, and front-line health care heroes are working around the clock to care for all patients who come to them for care. Please help us slow the spread.
We urge all Arizonans to get the COVID-19 and flu vaccines as soon as possible.
Contact your doctor when making decisions about your health care needs and seek care if you are experiencing any urgent or emergent medical issues. Delaying care can result in further health complications.
While being vaccinated is the best method to protect against COVID-19 and the flu, there are additional methods to protect against the virus, according to the CDC. Because COVID-19 and the flu can spread similarly, there are ways to guard against the spread of both viruses:
- Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly;
- Avoid touching your face or eye;
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing;
- Stay at home when you are sick;
- Wear a mask when indoors in public spaces.
For more information on ways to protect yourself from the flu, click here. For information on COVID-19 vaccinations, visit cdc.gov.
Editor’s note: Dr. William Ellert is chief medical officer at Abrazo Health hospitals in the Valley. For more information, visit AbrazoHealth.com.
