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ABERDEEN, MDN. –Defence public fitness experts are sounding the alarm and urging the general public to spare you a double risk of COVID and flu infections.
“As cold temperatures push more people indoors, sharing tight spaces and airspace creates an ideal environment for the spread of germs,” said Steven Starbuck, a member of the COVID-19 task force at the Aberdeen Public Health Advocacy Centres.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that influenza (flu) was associated with 9 million illnesses, 4 million medical visits, 10,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths during the 2021–2022 flu season.
Similarly, over the period of 2020–2023, COVID-19 has resulted in more than 6 million hospitalizations and more than one million deaths in the United States.
In addition, some other people, such as adults age 65 and older, young children, and others with certain physical conditions, are at higher risk for serious complications.
CDC reports that influenza and COVID-19 are respiratory illnesses spread through other viruses. COVID-19 is transmitted through infection with a coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) first known in 2019. ).
The CDC also notes that COVID-19 and the flu can have varying degrees of symptoms, ranging from no symptoms (asymptomatic) to severe symptoms. Common symptoms that percentage of COVID-19 and the flu include:
Although the viruses have other origins, public health officials say it’s possible to prevent any of the infections through similar tactics.
“Fortunately, the same strategies we use to save you from the flu are just as effective at saving you from COVID,” said Dr. Steven Cersovsky, a board-certified physician and also deputy director of the Aberdeen Public Health Advocacy Centers. “These measures include washing your hands regularly, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, and staying home or wearing a mask when around others if you feel sick.
While all of these measures can slow down rates of infection, Defense public health officials say that the best way to prevent both the flu and COVID is to get the appropriate vaccines each year.
“Getting the vaccines protects our workforce, our communities, and our nation,” Cersovsky said.
For most people who need only one dose for the season, the CDC recommends getting vaccinated in September or October. While most experts agree that it is ideal to get vaccinated by the end of October, it’s important to know that vaccination, even into the new year, can still provide protection during the peak of flu season.
Kevin Delaney, DCPH-A’s fitness public communications lead, said that while flu and COVID-19 vaccines have helped slow the spread of infections, it’s vital not to relax too much.
“We want to remain vigilant in the fight against communicable diseases,” Delaney said. “We will have to continue taking mandatory measures to protect our forces, our families and ourselves. “
For more information on COVID-19 prevention, visit: About COVID-19 | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
For more information on preventing the flu visit: Influenza (Flu) | CDC
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NOTE: Reference to any non-federal entity and/or its products is for informational purposes only and should not be construed in any way as a federal endorsement of such non-federal entity or its products.