Prepare Now for Influenza Season

Despite already being deep into the COVID-19 pandemic, we still need to prepare for seasonal flu. It may be more important this year than at any time before to get the flu vaccine. Everyone should get vaccinated—starting with ourselves—so we are protected against the flu and we prevent the spread of it.

We must stress to our patients currently in treatment, as well as those who are long-term survivors, to get their flu vaccine as early as possible. For large retail pharmacies such as CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens, that time is NOW.

The symptoms of the flu can mirror the symptoms of COVID-19, making this a more complicated fall and winter season for everyone. Although we do not yet know what the specific symptoms of this year’s influenza will be, we do know that it usually has respiratory symptoms associated with it. By getting vaccinated, the possibility that those respiratory symptoms are flu-related goes down, and the possible need for getting tested for COVID-19 goes up.

The worst situation would be for someone to have both the influenza virus and the coronavirus at the same time. This would increase the risk of complications, hospitalizations, and likely, mortality.

Although many hospitals require employees to get their influenza vaccine as a condition of continued employment, not all do. It is the smart thing to do, however. We need to set an example for our patients and our family members and do whatever is necessary to keep ourselves virus-free.

?If you enjoyed this article and would like to read more like it, visit my Insights into Navigation column, exclusively for AONN+ members.

Not a member? Learn more about the benefits of AONN+ membership and join today!