5 Flu Factors make this a very unique season for influenza. In this blog, FLASS explains these 5 Flu factors and brings you up-to-the-minute advice about the flu.
And we would be remiss if we did not admit that FLASS designed these 5 Flu Factors in the sincere hope to encourage you to get your flu shot. After all, the flu season ahead in 2021-2022 is projected to be worse than last year’s low numbers.
A Little Backstory and Influenza Data
Protect Yourself From a Serious Case of Influenza. Get Your Flu Shot By October’s End.
According to Walgreens data in their flu database, “As of Oct. 9, flu cases in the U.S. are up 23 percent compared to last year…” You probably remember the widespread mitigation measures we took last year, “when flu activity was historically low.”
Granted, our flu activity is up 23 percent over last year at this time. Additionally, we acknowledge that the reports “…continue to be low compared to pre-pandemic seasons.”
Just the same, we want to sound the alarm for getting your flu shot. At least get it by the end of October before the flu spreads thickly over communities.
As of Oct. 9, “The 10 states with the highest flu activity were Nevada, Mississippi, Texas, New Mexico, Tennessee, Washington, D.C., Oklahoma, Louisiana, Alabama, and Alaska.”
5 Flu Factors in a Unique Influenza Season
If you have not yet figured it out, there are some details about this influenza season that make it very special. We’ve named those details the FLASS 5 Flu Factors.
1. First of all: Good Flu Vaccine News Making
Scientists have updated the flu vaccines. Experts tell us, “There are many different flu viruses, and they are constantly changing.” You might not realize it, but science reviews the composition of US flu vaccines every single year.
Factor #2 Protection Against the Fab Four Influenza Strains
Secondly, you will enjoy protection against four viruses, instead of only three. “This season, all flu vaccines will be designed to protect against the four viruses that research indicates will be most common.” ( Frequently Asked Influenza (Flu) Questions: 2021-2022 Season | CDC )
Be Proud to be Quadrivalent: More about Our 2nd Factor
The composition of flu vaccines has been updated.
Thus, all flu vaccines will be quadrivalent, indicating they all have four components. This season, one-shot arms you against four different flu viruses.
Previously, and for many years, science designed flu vaccines that only protected you against three different flu viruses. They included:
- an influenza A(H1N1) virus,
- an influenza A(H3N2) virus
- and one influenza B virus,
However, this year, they included protection for the two “A” and two “B” variants. The addition of protection from both B viruses. This means protection from one more type of flu. Previously, we were never protected from all variants. And it also makes total sense to FLASS.
Who Gets the Quadrivalent Vaccine: Factor Number 3
FLASS Alert! Read Our 5 Flu Facts And Get Your Flu Shot. Protect Your Family From Severe Flu.
Of our 5 Flu Factors, number three is very valuable. It lists the folks who are eligible for the flu vaccine. Keep in mind that “Different vaccines are approved for different age groups.”
- Now we have a “quadrivalent flu shot that can be given to children as young as 6 months old.
- Flucelvax Quadrivalent is now approved for people 2 years and older.”
- You can find more information on approved flu vaccines for the 2020-2021 flu season, and age indications for each vaccine at CDC’s Big List of US flu vaccine products.
- By the way, the quadrivalent nasal spray vaccine is approved for use in non-pregnant individuals. For this option, you must be 2 years through 49 years old. FLASS notes that “People with certain medical conditions should not receive the nasal spray influenza vaccine.”
Flu Factor Number Four: A New Flu Preventative Med for Toddlers
Licensure (or license) on one flu vaccine has changed in a good way. Flucelvax Quadrivalent is now approved for people 2 years and older.
Certainly, you have read many reports from us over the years concerning how very deadly pediatric flu can be to toddlers.
Fifth Factor: Taking Flu Vaccine and COVID-19 Vaccine At the Same Time
Science Has Designated Tests For Influenza And COVID-19. And Your Doctor Can Give You Both At The Same Time.
Did you know that you can take both your flu shot and your COVID-19 Vaccine at the same time? We are amazed at how many people are unaware of this. The CDC states, “While limited data exist on giving COVID-19 vaccines with other vaccines, including flu vaccines,” the CDC cites experience with giving other vaccines together.
Notes from the CDC on This Matter: They state that their experience has shown them how our bodies react and develop protection. Likewise, they understand the possibilities of side effects.
And they have noted that the side effects “are generally similar whether vaccines are given alone or with other vaccines. “ Frequently Asked Influenza (Flu) Questions: 2021-2022 Season | CDC
However, FLASS advises you to visit with your health care provider on this issue if you are worried about taking the two vaccines at the same time. (And this goes for the COVID-19 Booster as well as the full shots.)
Speaking of Side-Effects
More detailed guidance about the recommended timing of flu vaccination for some groups of people is available.
Guidance concerning contraindications and precautions for the use of two flu vaccines – Flucevax Quadrivalent and Flublok Quadrivalent – was updated. You can check out these updates at this link.
After Our Top 5 Flu Facts: A Pressing Issue for Testing
The CDC has released some reassuring information about testing for seasonal influenza A and B viruses as opposed to testing for the Sars-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Both the CDC and FLASS reassure you that there are tests that can differentiate the viruses from each other. Additionally, these tests can be given at the same time. We reiterate, despite what you might have heard on the Internet, “There are tests that will check for seasonal influenza A and B viruses and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
As you might guess, “Testing for these viruses at the same time gives public health officials important information about how flu and COVID-19 are spreading…” Only then can we know “what prevention steps people should take.”
Terrific Take-Aways
Don’t Forget: You Can Get Your COVID-19 Shot At The Same Time As Your Regular Flu Injection.
So, now you know our top 5 Flu Factors for the 2021-22 Flu Season. There is one other issue we are compelled to mention, as we publish this blog.
Famed soldier and statesman, Colin Powell, recently died from complications of COVID-19. And yes, he had been fully vaccinated. The fact he had been vaccinated and still caught COVID-19 caused a social media storm against vaccines.
As pointed out in the L.A. Times, and on Yahoo.com, the former Secretary of State was 84 years old, an age group particularly sensitive to COVID-19. More importantly, Powell had multiple myeloma.
This disease is a cancer of blood plasma cells. Likewise, he also had been afflicted with Parkinson’s disease.
This case proves only that people who are immunocompromised are at greater risk of COVID-19. Once again, FLASS states that every individual, every patient, is different.
We also want to say that Colin Powell wrote many wonderful words on leadership and life advice. He should be remembered for those words, not for the social media storm about his vaccinations.
For example, we love this quote from Colin Powell: “Don’t just count your days, make your days count.”
If you have questions about flu vaccines or the vaccines for COVID-19, or any of our 5 Flu Facts above, please talk to your health care provider. We wholeheartedly invite you to a conversation with your doctor about the risks and benefits of our modern vaccines. You’ll be glad you did.