ASHN, ACP, ATS, and SCCM, which are members of the Critical Care Societies Collaborative, strongly encourage individuals to get immunized against Coronavirus and receive their flu vaccines for the coming flu season.
Flu-related deaths, critical illnesses, and respiratory failure usually occur every year. During last winter, however, it was likely that precautions were taken to prevent the spread of the SARS virus and also to control the spread of influenza.
The Healthcare System & Pulmonary Communities Inspire Flu Vaccine
Our infection rates are at risk of returning to past levels as mask-wearing and social distancing decline.
The viral infection of Corona has made people aware of their medical condition, and now in case of a small issue, also they rush to the expert for required actions.
This proves helpful to them in keeping health issues such as flu at bay, and in fact, many people have preferred to go for a flu shot also. Hence people are ready to keep themselves prepared against any infection irrespective of the type and name of the disease. New research has thrown light on the mental condition of people in this era when flu is also expected to be spread.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 390,000 hospitalizations and 21,000 deaths were caused by the flu around 2019-2020. In the face of an active flu season, health care systems that are already far beyond their capacity are faced with the potential of losing lives and being further strained.
Patients with lung diseases should also receive flu vaccinations. Asthma, COPD, and pulmonary fibrosis patients are more likely to contract the flu every year in comparison to the general population. Death risks are also higher for adults over 64 and for those with impaired immune systems. Children are particularly susceptible to the flu, as their mortality rates can be much higher than adults.
The flu vaccine isn’t available for children younger than five months, so they must rely on adults to vaccinate them for protection. All of these people benefit from the benefits of vaccines against the influenza virus and COVID-19, which will increase their chances of avoiding serious diseases and death.
Beth Wathen, MSN, RN, CCRN-K, AACN president, says influenza vaccinations and the COVID-19 vaccine help protect individuals and their communities. Influenza vaccination can reduce hospitalizations for people with COVID-19 and alleviate the strain on an already overburdened health care system.”
It is crucial that everyone gets vaccinated against the flu now to protect themselves, their family members, and their communities as the holiday season approaches, and we hope to gather with family friends,” stated ATS President Lynn Schnapp ATSF, MD.
Vaccination is the most effective way for those with chronic conditions to protect themselves and those around them,” says American College of Chest Physicians President Steven Q. Simpson, MD, FCCP. “The COVID-19 vaccine and influenza vaccination are both safe for everyone and are both readily available. There are no reasons not to receive your vaccination at this time.”
The most effective and safest way to prevent severe influenza is to receive an influenza vaccination, says SCCM President Greg Martin, MD, MSc, FCCM. It is estimated that 40,000 or perhaps more people die each year in the United States from seasonal flu, which can result in catastrophic illness and the need for a prolonged ICU stay. The flu vaccine has the potential to prevent these deaths.”
Since flu strains can change each year, everyone five months of age or older should get a flu shot every year. During the flu season, it is a good idea to get a flu shot in the early fall before widespread cases occur, but it isn’t too late to get it after the season ends.
