ROANOKE, VA (WFXR) — Flu season is upon us, and doctors are reminding people to get their flu vaccine.
The flu hit historically low levels during the pandemic, however health experts say it may make a comeback. As many are no longer following the same masking restrictions and other measures to stay safe against COVID-19. Due to this, the CDC is urging everyone 6 months and older to get their flu shot.
They add there’s no way to predict how hard the U.S. will be hit this flu season, as of right now all eyes are on the southern hemisphere, it just had its worst flu season in five years.
According to Roanoke City & Alleghany Health Districts, Communications Officer, Christie Wills, “The virus can kill up to 50,000 people in the United States annually, which is why it is important to get the vaccine. The flu vaccine may not be perfect, but it is all we have in protecting ourselves.”
Wills shares that even if a person doesn’t get sick it’s best to get the flu shot to protect the people around you who are immunocompromised.
Doctors also say there are some common misconceptions about the shot.
“You cannot get the flu, from the flu shot. the flu viruses that are in the flu shot are completely inactivated and are killed. which means they cannot cause an infection,” said Wills.
After getting your flu vaccine, many may feel sick and believe it’s the flu. Health experts say those are side effects and that the vaccine is working.
The CDC says you should get the flu vaccine by the end of October, but you can get them any time during flu season. It takes about two weeks for protection to set in.
You can receive your flu shot and COVID-19 booster at the same time. Most pharmacy techs will give one shot in each arm to lessen any soreness.
