What to Know About the Convergence of Flu Season and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Q&A with Dr. Gluckstein

There is great concern that convergence of the anticipated 2020-2021 flu season with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic will cause tremendous strain our healthcare system. Fortunately, people can take steps to protect themselves from contracting the flu and COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center recommend that everyone who can safely get a flu shot do so at their earliest convenience.

Why should I get a flu shot?

The flu vaccine protects people from contracting the flu and it reduces flu transmission, serious illness, hospitalization and death from the flu. Some people who get the flu vaccine may still contract the flu virus, but their symptoms are likely to be much milder and shorter in duration because of having the flu shot.

Who is at high-risk of complications from the flu?

Anyone can get flu (even healthy people), but people at high risk of developing serious flu-related complications include:

• People 65 years and older
• Pregnant women
• Long term care facility residents
• Children younger than 5 years, especially infants under six months’ old
• People with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, HIV, immune disease, kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease, neurologic disease, obesity, sickle cell disease, or stroke

When should I get a flu shot?

Late September-October is generally the best time to get a flu shot to provide protection throughout the flu season. Aim to get your flu shot between now and the end of October. It takes up to two weeks to generate antibodies and you want to have those antibodies by early to mid-November when the flu typically begins to hit in Southern California.

Where can I get a flu shot?

You can get a flu shot from most physician offices or at any of our Pomona Valley Health Center locations in Claremont, Chino Hills, La Verne and Pomona. You can also obtain a free or low-cost flu shots at many pharmacies (e.g., CVS, Walgreens) and other healthcare providers. Visit www.vaccinefinder.org or call 2-1-1 to find a free or low-cost flu shot provider near you. Visit www.mypvhc.com or call 909.378.9512 for more information or to request a flu vaccine appointment.

Can I get sick from the flu shot?

The flu shot is very safe, and it CAN NOT give you the flu. Flu vaccines are made with either killed viruses, or with only one part from the flu virus that cannot cause infection. The nasal spray vaccine contains live virus that have been weakened so that they will not cause illness.

Who should NOT get a flu shot?

• Children younger than six months
• People with severe, life-threatening allergies to flu vaccine and any ingredient in the vaccine, including gelatin, antibiotics or other ingredients

What are the similarities and differences in symptoms between the flu and COVID-19?

Both flu and COVID-19 can have varying degrees of signs and symptoms, ranging from no symptoms (asymptomatic) to severe symptoms. Common symptoms that flu and COVID-19 share include:

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle pain or body aches
• Headache
• Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults

Even during peak flu season, most people who have flu-like illness (fever, cough sore throat) do not have influenza – they have another respiratory virus such as a cold. To learn more about the similarities and differences between the flu and COVID-19, visit the CDC website.

How can I protect myself from contracting the flu and/or COVID-19?

The steps we are taking to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19 are also helpful in preventing the spread of the flu.

• Wash your hands regularly
• Wear a mask or cloth face covering in most public settings when you are around people who don’t live in your household
• Keep 6 feet from others – socially distance
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Stay away from people who are sick

What should I do if I suspect I have the flu?

If you think you’ve come down with the flu, make an appointment with your doctor or go to a Pomona Valley Health Center urgent care for a flu and COVID-19 test. Early diagnosis is helpful because there is flu medication that can reduce symptoms and recovery time if taken early. Stay home until you recover – do not go to work if you are sick.

What should I do if I suspect I’ve been exposed to or contracted COVID-19?

If you think you’ve been exposed to or contracted COVID-19 you should get tested for flu and COVID-19 and self-isolate until you have results. If you test positive for COVID-19, you should isolate for 10 days. If you develop serious symptoms such as trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake or bluish lips or face, you should seek immediate medical attention.

Which is more contagious – flu or COVID-19?

COVID-19 more infectious, which is why we’ve seen super-spreader events, particularly when people are indoors with a lot of people for a prolonged period of time.

As we head into fall and winter, what should I be aware of?

As the weather changes, we’ll be spending more time indoors. And people will naturally want to travel and gather for the holidays. All of these increase our risk and increase the potential to spread both the flu and COVID-19. That’s why it’s imperative that people get the flu shot and protect themselves from flu and other viruses by washing hands regularly, wearing a mask or cloth face covering in most public settings when you are around people who don’t live in your household, socially distance, avoiding the urge to touch your eyes, nose and mouth and staying home if you are sick.

What if I need to fly?

Look for airlines that have restricted middle seats and limited passenger capacity. Take a direct flight, if possible, to reduce your time spent in airports and on a plane. Don’t eat or drink to eliminate the need to take off your mask on the plane. Practice good hand hygiene when using public and in-flight restrooms.

Daniel Gluckstein, MD, Medical Director of Infectious Disease at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center.