The influenza and COVID-19 infection have numerous similarities. Both have similar symptoms, impact the respiratory system, are infectious, can result in different severity of illnesses, and are quite challenging to differentiate from one another without taking relevant specific tests. However, both are caused by different viruses, hence different vaccines and treatment plans are available for each infection and disease.
Influenza vaccines
The yearly influenza vaccination, often known as the flu shot, is able to provide the best protection against the influenza viruses that are considered to be the most prevalent throughout each flu season. Nevertheless, the influenza vaccination does not provide protection against the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19. It has also been demonstrated that it does not raise your likelihood of becoming ill with COVID-19, nor it does not worsen any presenting illness.
Furthermore, because COVID-19 and influenza are caused by different viruses, recovering from COVID-19 does not give you resistance against influenza infection. Hence, whether you have had COVID-19 or not, this is simply one more opportunity and reason to receive your influenza vaccination.
Because influenza viruses alter and vary from year to year, influenza vaccinations must be updated on an annual basis to include the viruses which are most likely to circulate in the coming season. Following the selection of the viruses for the new formulation, private companies will create, test, produce, and distribute the most recent edition of influenza vaccinations. Because of this characteristic and specialty of the influenza viruses, influenza vaccine administration is suggested on an annual basis.
If I Have Had COVID-19, When Should I Get The Influenza Vaccination?
The CDC has provided a guideline for when you should get vaccinated, especially if you are presently suffering with COVID-19.
According to the guideline, if you have had COVID-19, the CDC recommends delaying your influenza vaccine for at least 10 days after your positive test result; or at least 10 days after the onset of your symptoms; and only if you are fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-relief medications. Even if you have very mild symptoms or are asymptomatic, you should postpone your immunisation schedule to prevent exposing others, including your health care provider and other patients, to the virus that causes COVID-19.
In addition, if you have had known exposure to any person with COVID-19, you should also wait until you have completed your 14-days quarantine period before receiving your vaccine. And, as with other pandemic activities, make sure you protect yourself and others against COVID-19, influenza, and other infections when you present to receive your vaccine. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol; avoid close contact with people from outside your household and those who are sick; clean and disinfect the frequently touched surfaces; and cover your nose and mouth with a medical certified facemask in the public.
The measures outlined above are applicable to influenza vaccine and Covid 19 vaccine at the moment of COVID-19 pandemic. Book your appointment for immunizations as per measures to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 and influenza.
Should I Get Influenza Vaccination?
Although the influenza vaccination does not protect against COVID-19, it has been shown to give a good degree of protection and advantages against other flu-like symptoms, including the influenza virus. This is especially important for the time being since COVID-19 individuals might present with similar signs and symptoms that can be difficult to identify at times. Receiving influenza vaccinations can assist health care providers and physicians in excluding other illnesses, such as influenza infections, and reserving important medical resources for the more severe cases. The mortality rate will undoubtedly be lowered as a result of these efforts.
