might have gained if they’d gotten sick.
Overall vulnerability to the flu could be higher in the United States this year due to “relaxed COVID-19 mitigation strategies, increased travel and the reopening of schools,” the foundation’s medical director, Dr. William Schaffner, tells the Times.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is not over, and the risk of both flu and COVID-19 circulating could put additional strain on hospitals and frontline health care professionals,” she warns.
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Benefits of a flu shot
Everyone age 6 months and older should get a flu shot, Walensky advises.
Here are the benefits of getting vaccinated:
- Prevents you from getting sick with the flu
- Reduces the severity of illness of those that get sick, especially those that fall in the high-risk group
- Reduces the risk of hospilization
- Can reduce the risk of chronic conditions, such as lung disease from worsening
- Protects pregnant women during and after their pregnancy
- Protects babies from the flu for several months after they are born
- Reduces children’s risk of dying from the flu
- Protects those around you that are high-risk and more vunerable
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The survey did suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a positive effect on behaviors that could help reduce the spread of the flu.
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Nearly half of the respondents said the pandemic has made them more likely to stay home from work or school if they’re sick, and 54% said they would wear a mask at least sometimes during the flu season, the Times reports.
