Do not skip out on the flu shot this fall

Dr. Roach Writes: I want to implore readers to get their flu vaccine. If you have never gotten one, now is the time.

COVID-19 cases continue to increase in many parts of North America. Hospitals will be stressed. More people getting the flu shot means fewer people who need to be hospitalized for flu. I recall years where every bed in the intensive care unit was filled with a person with severe lung disease from influenza.

The flu and COVID-19 share many symptoms, so a case of the flu may often mean getting tested for COVID-19. Protect yourself, your family, friends, neighbors, community and the health care system by getting a flu shot. Physical distancing, mask wearing and handwashing will all help, but the flu vaccine is the most important.

This year’s flu vaccine will include two A strains: an H1N1, an H3N2, and one or two B strains, depending on whether it’s the trivalent or quadrivalent. Since it is the A strains that are more likely to cause hospitalization, either vaccine type will protect.

This year, finally, there are approved quadrivalent highdose and quadrivalent adjuvant vaccines available for people over 65. These provide a higher degree of protection over standard dose, but if one isn’t immediately available, I would recommend getting any available flu vaccine. September and October are probably the best months to get the vaccine, but vaccination is likely to be of benefit as long as flu strains are circulating.

As in previous years, people with an egg allergy may get any flu vaccine, and do not need the vaccine made without egg (Flucelvax quadrivalent). A live, attenuated nasal vaccine is available for adults up to age 50, but should not be used by people with a weakened immune system (through disease or medication) or their caregivers. Pregnant women should get the flu shot, not the nasal vaccine.