COVID-19 and the Flu
Season 1, Episode 23, Nov 05, 2021, 11:33 PM
Share
Subscribe
Last year, flu transmission was low in the U.S. due to physical distancing, masks, and staying home. This year, these habits are changing, increasing flu transmission risk, especially among school-aged children. COVID-19 is more transmissible than the flu.
CDC data (2009-2019) shows Black people, particularly children under 5, have higher rates of flu hospitalization and ICU admission. This disparity is partly due to lower flu vaccination rates among Black individuals. However, social determinants like access to good food, housing, education, safe neighborhoods, and freedom from racism are more crucial. These factors affect healthcare access, leading to higher rates of chronic diseases in people of color (e.g., asthma, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes in Black adults). Chronic diseases increase the risk of severe flu.
Flu and COVID-19 are distinct viruses, reported separately.
Good news: safe, effective vaccines for both flu and COVID-19 exist. Everyone 6 months and older should get an annual flu shot, especially healthcare workers, those with chronic conditions, older adults, pregnant women, and children. Flu shots help preserve medical resources for COVID-19 patients. Stay up-to-date on COVID-119 vaccinations, including boosters if eligible. Flu and COVID vaccines can be given together.
Continue practicing protective habits: wear masks, stay home when sick, wash hands, cover coughs/sneezes, avoid touching face, and disinfect surfaces.
CDC data (2009-2019) shows Black people, particularly children under 5, have higher rates of flu hospitalization and ICU admission. This disparity is partly due to lower flu vaccination rates among Black individuals. However, social determinants like access to good food, housing, education, safe neighborhoods, and freedom from racism are more crucial. These factors affect healthcare access, leading to higher rates of chronic diseases in people of color (e.g., asthma, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes in Black adults). Chronic diseases increase the risk of severe flu.
Flu and COVID-19 are distinct viruses, reported separately.
Good news: safe, effective vaccines for both flu and COVID-19 exist. Everyone 6 months and older should get an annual flu shot, especially healthcare workers, those with chronic conditions, older adults, pregnant women, and children. Flu shots help preserve medical resources for COVID-19 patients. Stay up-to-date on COVID-119 vaccinations, including boosters if eligible. Flu and COVID vaccines can be given together.
Continue practicing protective habits: wear masks, stay home when sick, wash hands, cover coughs/sneezes, avoid touching face, and disinfect surfaces.