With COVID-19 circulating and flu season underway, there’s no better time than now to get a flu shot.
“I urge everyone to get a flu shot as soon as possible,” says Dr. Gerald Harmon, vice president of medical affairs at Tidelands Health. “It’s crucial every year, but particularly so this year amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“By getting your shot now, you can benefit all season long.”

Receiving a flu shot makes it less likely that you’ll become ill with the flu and, even if you do, it can help reduce the severity of your symptoms. Last year, the flu led to 400,000 hospitalizations and 22,000 deaths, according to the CDC.
This year, as our community and nation continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s even more vital to proactively protect yourself from the flu by receiving a flu shot, Dr. Harmon says.

The CDC believes people can contract both the flu and COVID-19 at the same time, potentially leading to more severe symptoms. If you become ill, receiving a flu shot can also help simplify your diagnosis because the symptoms of COVID-19 and flu overlap.
Plus, by getting a flu shot, you can help limit the overall spread of the flu in our community and help prevent health care providers from being overwhelmed by a surge of flu and COVID-19 cases.

As temperatures drop, people are more likely to stay indoors and come in close contact with others, which can promote transmission of both illnesses.
“Both the flu and COVID-19 can be more readily spread when people are in indoors, not maintaining social distance and not wearing masks,” Harmon said.

“Getting a flu shot is easy and fast, and its benefits can be tremendous,” Dr. Harmon says. “By doing so, you can help protect yourself, your family and the community.”
In addition to getting your shot, Dr. Harmon says, it’s important to continue to practice safety precautions such as wearing a mask, washing your hands regularly and social distancing, all of which can also help limit the spread of both COVID-19 and the flu.
Schedule your flu shot today by calling 1-866-TIDELANDS or attend a walk-in flu shot clinic.