Getting a flu shot has always been the smart thing to do. It is the best way to protect against the flu and stop its spread. But in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its Omicron variants, a flu shot is essential.
The typical flu is active each year from October through April. An estimated 5 percent to 20 percent of Americans get the flu each year with symptoms lasting up to two weeks. Having the flu and coronavirus at the same time likely leads to further complications and more severe outcomes.
The flu vaccine takes about two weeks to be effective, so it is important to get the vaccine as early as possible. However, it is not too late to get vaccinated once flu season is underway.
Both CareFirst and Kaiser Permanente suggest locations for getting this year’s flu shot.
Here’s some other guidance on protecting yourself from colds and flu:
- Healthy Habits to Help Prevent Flu, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Cold remedies: What works, what doesn’t, what can’t hurt, from the Mayo Clinic.
