Aiken, national health experts recommend getting flu shot

Landon Stamper, Aiken Standard, S.C.
·2 min read

Oct. 31—As Aiken continues to move into the fall season, the flu virus will be making its yearly appearance.

Health experts continue to recommend that residents get their flu shots to help combat the spread, particularly as COVID-19 continues to be seen across the community.

"We think it's important for people to consider getting the flu shot so that they can stay at their healthiest, hopefully avoid the flu this season and try to avoid spreading the flu virus," said Emily Russell, a pharmacist at Aiken's Family Pharmacy.

Russell also spoke about the spread of COVID-19 being a factor in one's decision to get a flu shot.

"If you want to try to avoid getting COVID, you also want to try to avoid having the flu potentially at the same time," Russell said. "It won't feel good to have both at the same time so if we can try to prevent one or the other or both, then that would be beneficial."

Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said "it is doubly important this year" to get your flu shot.

"We are preparing for the return of the flu," Walensky said.

The CDC expects vaccine makers to deliver 188 million to 200 million doses of flu vaccine. Most Americans with insurance can get one without a co-pay. Options include regular shots, shots that aim to give older adults a little extra protection, and a nasal spray.

All offer protection against four different flu strains that global experts predict are the kinds most likely to spread this year.

"While there are several medications that can treat influenza when caught early, the flu shot still offers the best protection against serious illness caused by the strains of influenza found in the flu shots," said Dr. Gerald Gordon, an infectious disease specialist at Aiken Regional Medical Centers. "Currently, all injected flu shots have four different influenza types (quadrivalent — two influenza A and two influenza B types). While the flu shot does not always protect everyone from infection from influenza, it does reduce illness and mortality in those who receive the flu shot. Each of us should carefully weigh the benefits of receiving immunization against influenza this fall."

Flu cases dropped to historically low levels globally over the pandemic, as restrictions designed to slow the spread of the coronavirus helped block other respiratory viruses.

"Is that a harbinger of a worse influenza season? We don't know, but we certainly don't want a 'twindemic,' both COVID and influenza," said Dr. William Schaffner of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.

The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccination for just about everyone starting with 6-month-old babies.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.