Don't skip your flu shot this year

Another flu season is just around the corner. Based on watching the flu season in the southern hemisphere, which is June through September, more contagious flu is expected than over the past five years.

It's more important than ever to get vaccinated for flu to keep you and your loved ones safe.

If more people are vaccinated for flu, fewer people will become sick with the flu and fewer patients will require hospitalization. When there are fewer flu cases, hospital resources are available to care for patients with other health concerns, including COVID-19.

This year's flu season

Flu season in North America typically occurs between October and May. It's possible that the viruses that cause COVID-19 and the flu may spread in your community at the same time during flu season. If this happens, people could become ill with COVID-19 and the flu at the same time. Getting vaccinated for COVID-19 and the flu can reduce their spread.

Importance of vaccinations

The current recommendation is that everyone over 6 months should get vaccinated for flu. The flu shot also can reduce the severity of the flu and the risk of serious complications.

Each year's flu vaccine protects from the three or four influenza viruses expected to be the most common during that year's flu season. The vaccine can be given as a shot or nasal spray.

While the flu shot doesn't prevent you from getting COVID-19, some research has found that getting vaccinated for the flu vaccine might lower the risk of becoming infected with COVID-19. Research also shows that getting vaccinated for flu does not make you more likely to get infected with COVID-19 or acquire other respiratory infections.

Preventing influenza

Get vaccinated for the flu and COVID-19 when they're available to you.

Also, follow these standard precautions to reduce your risk of infection from the viruses that cause the flu, COVID-19 and other respiratory infections:

• Avoid large events and mass gatherings, especially if you have any symptoms of influenza or COVID-19, or if you have a higher risk of serious illness.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Consider wearing a face mask when you're indoors in public spaces and outdoors where there is a high risk of respiratory virus transmission, such as at a crowded event or large gathering. Further mask guidelines vary by location.
• Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, electronics and counters.

Common myths debunked

Some people may be reluctant to be vaccinated or to vaccinate their children due to misinformation about vaccine safety. Vaccines are held to the highest safety standards and, aside from minor side effects for some patients, they are safe for most people.

It's important to seek medical information only from credible sources who have scientific training. Vaccines are safe. It's the diseases they protect against that are the cause for concern.

Review these common myths about flu vaccination that have been scientifically proven false:

MYTH: A flu shot can cause you to get the flu.
FACT: While some people experience muscle aches and a fever for a day or two after receiving a flu shot, this is likely a side effect of the body's production of protective antibodies. It is not the flu.

MYTH: Many people have serious adverse reactions to vaccines.
FACT: Allergies and serious complications from vaccines are rare. Tell your provider if you ever have had any unusual or allergic reaction to a flu vaccination or any other medicines. Also, tell your health care team if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives or animals.

MYTH: Vaccines cause autism.
FACT: Despite much controversy on the topic, researchers haven't found a connection between autism and childhood vaccines.

Read more about vaccine safety, and facts about vaccines and what parents need to know.

Talk to your health care team about your vaccination concerns, and how and where to get your flu shot.

Jennifer Johnson, D.O., is a physician in Family Medicine in Mankato, Minnesota.