What to Expect When Influenza Season Meets COVID-19?

Health expert revealed what to expect when influenza season overlaps with COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 and seasonal influenza, the respiratory disorders are spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. They share similar symptoms — fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, and muscle aches.

Coronavirus
Coronaviruses infect animals, humans, and birds. Human coronaviruses, such as SARS, MERS, and 2019-nCoV cause respiratory distress and even death. The S protein is the infectious agent of the virus.

‘COVID-19 and flu season: There are two types of risk — the risk to your health individually and societal risks. Even if your individual risk for getting seriously ill from the flu is low, getting vaccinated will help you prevent transmitting the virus to others.’

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Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told this to the Associated Press: “This could be one of the worst seasons we’ve had from a public health perspective with COVID-19 and flu coming together. But it also could be one of the best flu seasons we’ve had.”

What could make it the best flu season?

1. Wear masks, practice social distancing, proper handwashing, and stay home when sick will limit the spread of influenza and COVID-19.

Avian Influenza / Bird Flu-Causes-Symptoms-Treatment- FAQs
Bird flu (avian influenza/avian flu) is a disease caused by an influenza virus (H5N1) that primarily affects birds but can infect humans also.

2. Lower the risk for contracting flu by getting the influenza vaccine.

3. If you feel symptoms of flu or COVID-19 this fall and winter should call their physician first.

Quiz on Flu
Influenza (or rather, the flu) is a cold weather infectious condition that affects the young and old alike. Though most reported cases are mild, the flu can sometimes cause severe and life-threatening complications in both children and adults, thanks to wrong medications and improper vaccinations. Learn more about the disease from our Flu Quiz and guard yourself and your family from a possible infection.

“We saw this in early February,” said Dr. Mack Ruffin, chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. “Flu cases were heading upward, but as people started taking measures to prevent COVID-19, flu cases began to drop, so we know preventive measures will make a difference. What could make it the worst flu season? “If people get tired of wearing face masks and social distancing, it could create a worst-case scenario.”

Source-Medindia

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