National Foundation for Infectious Diseases ( NFID ) executive director and CEO Marla Dalton , CAE , leads by example and receives an influenza ( flu ) vaccine in one arm and a COVID-19 bivalent booster in the other , administered by Leila T . Hall , MD .
58 percent indicated that they will wear a mask at least some time during flu season ; 40 percent will wear a mask if flu and / or COVID-19 activity is high in their community ; 35 percent will wear a mask around crowds and large groups of people ; 22 percent will wear a mask indoors ; 21 percent will wear a mask only if required ; and 16 percent say they will not wear a mask . Women ( 66 percent ) are more likely than men ( 50 percent ) to wear a mask during flu season , the survey found .
Waning flu immunity and reduced safety protocols among members of the public are cited by some experts as reasons for this flu season being potentially severe , despite preventive source-control measures .
Because people were more isolated in recent years , immunity to the flu in the population declined . The combination of reduced immunity and relaxed safety measures means the public will be doubly vulnerable to a circulating respiratory virus .
“ When you throw all of that into the mix , it ’ s not surprising that we may have the worst flu season we ’ ve seen in a while ,” Gandhi says .
“ It is possible that there has been waning immunity in the population , but individual immunity is very hard to predict ,” Ben-Aderet says . “ The best way to mitigate this is to get the seasonal influenza vaccine , which provides protective immunity and is always based on the most recent circulating strains . Regarding safety protocols , I hope that people will continue some of the best practices from the pandemic such as good hand hygiene , not working or gathering while sick and continuing to use masks in crowded indoor areas , especially if having respiratory symptoms .”
Influenza and COVID Co-infection
Cennimo acknowledges the initial similarities between coronavirus and influenza infection : “ Both are spread predominantly through respiratory droplets and contact ,” he says . “ There seem to be more asymptomatic cases of coronavirus than influenza , but both are capable of being spread before a person knows they are infected – about one to two days before symptoms appear . Influenza contagiousness is usually over within a week , while coronavirus is around 10 days . Both can cause a spectrum of illness ranging from mild to critical illness and death . Flu symptoms can be confused with COVID-19 . If you start feeling ill , it is important to quarantine and test for COVID-19 to rule it out .”
The NFID survey found that respondents are more likely to worry about themselves or someone in their family getting COVID-19 than other respiratory infections . However , just 34 percent are very or extremely worried about COVID-19 infection ; only 20 percent are very or extremely worried about flu infection ; 20 percent are very or extremely worried about pneumonia ; and 17 percent are very or extremely worried about respiratory syncytial virus ( RSV ).
The NFID survey addressed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on flu vaccination intention , revealing that for most respondents , personal experience with COVID-19 does not change how likely they are to get a flu vaccine this year . Among those who have tested positive for COVID-19 , 1 in 4 ( 25 percent ) say it makes them more likely to get vaccinated against flu .
Ben-Aderet is concerned about viral co-infection “ because these viruses spread in a similar fashion ,” he says , adding , “ It is also important to remember that each infection alone can be severe and lead to long-term consequences and even death . Getting the seasonal influenza vaccine and the bivalent COVID booster are the most important steps that people can take to protect themselves .”
And , as Calderwood notes , “ Co-infections definitely occur . These cause more severe illness and can be fatal in those who are 65 and older and those with an impaired immune system . Thankfully , co-infections seem to be much less common among individuals who are vaccinated against both influenza and SARS-CoV-2 .”
Despite findings that the pandemic experience is not altering the perception of influenza vaccination , the NFID survey addressed concerns about flu and COVID-19 vaccine co-administration . Respondents said they are not very confident about the safety of getting flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time ; only 32 percent are extremely / very confident about the safety of receiving flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time , while 37 percent are not very or not at all confident in the safety of getting a flu and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time , while 30 percent are only somewhat confident . Thirty-six percent say they would receive both vaccines at the same time if offered , 41 percent say they would not , and 23 percent are unsure .
Rutgers ’ Cennimo says the CDC originally recommended a two-week spacing between COVID-19 and other vaccinations , since it was closely monitoring reactions for this new vaccine . “ Now , you can get your COVID-19 shot or booster and flu vaccination at the same time . Studies show having them together does not affect efficacy .”
Guidance from the CDC states , “ Even though both vaccines can be given at the same visit , people should follow the recommended schedule for either vaccine : If you haven ’ t gotten your currently recommended doses of COVID-19 vaccine , get a