From an interview with
Dr. Richard Alexander
Medical Plaza Family Medicine

Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a coronavirus, which was first identified in 2019. Flu is caused by infection with a flu virus. McLeod primary care physician Dr. Richard Alexander explains how vaccinations can help protect your family in the coming months.

COVID-19 and the flu can have similar symptoms, and they’re both serious and potentially deadly diseases. Specific testing is needed to tell what the illness is and to confirm a diagnosis. It’s important that we continue to do everything we can to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and prepare ourselves for the onset of flu at the same time.

Flu vaccines are safe, effective, and do not cause the flu. The CDC recommends that everyone six months of age and older get vaccinated. Preventing the flu is important for people who are at an increased risk of complications, including young children, adults aged 50 years and older, pregnant women and people with certain chronic medical conditions.

Learnings From 2022

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), last year’s flu season began earlier than typically is expected in many states, and the majority of children were not protected by vaccines. The season was marked by a high burden of influenza disease in children, including high rates of hospitalization.

Co-circulation of COVID and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) created capacity problems at many hospitals caring for children. Influenza immunization to reduce the overall burden of respiratory illnesses is a vital step in preserving health care capacity, especially when other viruses are co-circulating.

Talk with your healthcare provider about how the flu vaccine can help protect your family from illness this year.