A doctor explains what to expect for flu season this year, and how to stay healthy
OCTOBER 27, 2021, By Emily Gilbert
As the weather gets colder and winter begins, so too does flu season.
Last year we caught up with Dr. Kumanan Wilson to learn more about the annual flu shot in the era of COVID-19. Dr. Wilson is the founder of CANImmunize, a free digital tool that securely stores your vaccination records. You can use it to manage you and your family’s vaccination records from your laptop or smartphone. Recently, the organization has released CANImmunize Shield, a tool for employers to keep track of employees’ vaccination status. It allows companies to prevent outbreaks, protect unvaccinated employees and ensure business continuity.
We chatted with Dr. Wilson again recently to find out more about flu season this year.
What’s different this flu season than last year?
“In 2020 we didn’t really know what was going to happen,” Dr. Wilson reflects. “There were initial fears of a twin-demic, of having both influenza and COVID circulating at the same time. But due to the measures taken to protect against COVID, we didn’t really have a flu season.” This year, he says, because of vaccines many of us have been able to return to work. There are more social gatherings, and restrictions are looser than they were a year ago. As a result, we’re more at risk of the flu and other respiratory viruses recirculating again. “We had a year with less exposure. We have to be cautious of respiratory illnesses that have been dormant,” says Dr. Wilson.
What can we do to prevent the spread of the flu?
Dr. Wilson says that the measures that are already in place due to COVID will help prevent the spread of the flu. This includes wearing masks, handwashing and proper ventilation in indoor spaces. Without those things, however, he says there is a risk of having two viruses circulating at the same time. But the good news is that the COVID vaccine has led to lower numbers of COVID cases.
Who should get a flu shot?
Everyone 6 months and older should get the flu shot. This especially applies to higher risk individuals. Higher risk individuals may include:
those with pre-existing health conditions
people over 65
children under 5
They also include those who are providing care to higher risk individuals.
Can you get the COVID vaccine and the flu vaccine at the same time?
According to the CDC, the flu shot and the COVID vaccine can be given at the same time. COVID booster shots are currently recommended by NACI for some members of the population. This includes residents of long-term care homes and seniors living in other congregate settings who received their second dose at least six months ago.
What’s the best way to stay healthy this flu season?
“Don’t be a hero,” Dr. Wilson says. “If you have what seems like the flu, you shouldn’t be going into work.” In addition to the importance of masks indoors and proper ventilation, Dr. Wilson also recommends getting a flu shot.
Written in consultation with Dr. Kumanan Wilson, MD.
CONTRIBUTING HEALTH EXPERT(S) Dr. Kumanan Wilson, MD