Should you get a flu shot? Experts say yes
Mutations in some H3N2 strains may not match current flu vaccines, but doctors explain why it’s still a good idea to get vaccinated.
CBC – Top Stories
Everyone is home during the holidays, and so are germs.
Maybe the disease is knocking at your door along with your party guests.
It’s cold and flu season, and common winter illnesses like the flu, COVID-19, and norovirus are hitting Americans hard, especially during this holiday week when we gather with friends and family to celebrate. Large indoor parties, cold weather, and crowded spaces are perfect conditions for the spread of unwanted diseases.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other health organizations are working to trace cases to help families stay healthy this season and into the winter.
Here’s what we know so far about cases and how to avoid getting sick.
Latest symptoms and data on norovirus
Norovirus, commonly known as gastroenteritis, is actually not related to influenza. The virus is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States, causing vomiting and diarrhea, according to the CDC. The most common symptoms are:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- stomach cramps and pain
- In some cases, fever, headache, and body aches may occur.
Wastewater data maintained by WasteWaterSCAN, a Stanford University-led disease spread tracking tool, reports that norovirus activity is at “moderate” nationally and has been declining since Dec. 1. Trackers say most of the cases are concentrated in the Northeast and Midwest. However, to prevent the spread of infection, we all need to take precautions such as washing our hands and preparing food to limit this highly contagious disease.
Meanwhile, the number of people infected with influenza is rapidly increasing.
According to CDC data, influenza cases are on the rise. During the week of December 13, 15% of influenza tests were reported as positive to the National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System.
WasteWaterSCAN said influenza A prevalence is “high” across the country, with some regions worse than others, with the Northeast and Midwest hardest hit.
And this trend is likely to increase further in the future. As of Dec. 16, the CDC projects that influenza infections are increasing or likely to increase in 47 states.
And the new strain of influenza could make the situation even worse. This variant, known as subclade K, is derived from influenza A, the most common influenza-causing virus, and H3N2, one of its most common variants. This could mean a particularly tough flu season, especially since current vaccines are not compatible with rapidly spreading variants.
But there’s no need to panic. As the influenza season deepens and more data become available, early evidence is emerging that the vaccine still provides adequate protection against severe disease from subclade K.
The most common symptoms of influenza are:
- heat.
- cough.
- sore throat.
- My body hurts.
- Runny or stuffy nose.
- headache.
- Fatigue.
What about the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19)?
According to CDC estimates, the number of people infected with the new coronavirus is also increasing.
As of Dec. 16, the CDC reported that 31 states had an increase or a potential increase in COVID-19 infections, one state had a decrease or a potential decrease, and 15 states had no change.
Common symptoms of the new coronavirus are:
- Fever or chills.
- cough.
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
- sore throat.
- Stuffy or runny nose.
- New loss of taste or smell.
- Fatigue.
- Muscle and body pain.
- headache.
How can we stay healthy?
It’s time for hugs and handshakes. So one thing is very important. That means washing your hands. According to the Cleveland Clinic, rubbing your hands well and often is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of disease.
Always rub your hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds, especially right before or after eating, after using the bathroom, or when preparing food.
If you need to cough or sneeze, reach for a tissue or use your elbow to prevent the spread of germs. If you think you may be infected, wear a face mask to protect others and yourself from further infection.
According to the CDC, strictly follow food safety guidance when it comes to the highly contagious norovirus. Carefully wash fruits and vegetables, and thoroughly cook meat, poultry, and seafood (usually to about 145 degrees Fahrenheit). Disinfecting also makes a big difference. After you’re done cooking for the holidays, take the time to scrub down your counters, sink, and other utensils with disinfectant and soap.
Let’s get vaccinated
Even though the season is winding down, vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent severe illness from influenza and COVID-19, according to the World Health Organization, CDC, and other leading medical organizations.
Anyone over 6 months old is eligible to receive the flu vaccine unless they have certain medical conditions, such as an allergy to the ingredients in the flu vaccine or a severe reaction to a previous shot.
Under Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the COVID-19 vaccination guidance has changed in response to new recommendations from the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration. The vaccine is recommended for everyone over six months of age based on individual decision-making in consultation with health care professionals, what the federal vaccine committee calls “common clinical decision-making.” The CDC says doctors, registered nurses and pharmacists can administer the vaccine to adults and school-age children after consulting with the patient.
Pharmacies are the most common place for American adults to purchase seasonal vaccines. The two largest chains, CVS and Walgreens, are offering vaccine appointments online and are also accepting walk-ins. Both offer the option of receiving multiple vaccines at once, and most insurance companies will fully cover the cost of vaccinations at these pharmacies.
