Health experts say that it’s not too late to get a flu shot, especially as COVID-19 remains active and Arizona’s flu season ramps up. Vaccination and following a few simple tips can help slow the spread and ease the burden on our state’s health providers.
Most flu cases have occurred from mid-December through February over the past five years, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services. Getting vaccinated against the flu – and COVID-19 – is a simple and proven way to protect yourself.
Getting your flu shot, and the COVID-19 vaccine and booster will help the Valley’s healthcare system during an already busy time of year, according to doctors at Abrazo Health. After nearly two years since the start of the pandemic, health care workers continue to diligently serve the public and their patients, saving more lives than ever.
Doctors, nurses and frontline healthcare heroes are working around the clock to care, and getting the COVID-19 and flu vaccines can help slow the virus’s spread, noted Dr. Randy Odero, an infectious disease specialist at Abrazo.
While being vaccinated is the best method to protect against COVID-19 and the flu, there are additional methods to protect against the virus, according to the CDC. Because COVID-19 and the flu can spread similarly, there are ways to guard against the spread of both viruses:
- Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly
- Avoid touching your face or eyes
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
- Stay at home when you are sick
- Wear a mask when indoors in public spaces
“The flu shot gives you a great deal of protection and helps reduce the risk of the particularly dangerous combination of flu plus COVID co-infection, which we, unfortunately, saw during flu season last year,” said Dr. William Ellert, chief medical officer at Abrazo Health hospitals.
For more information on ways to protect yourself from the flu, click here. For information on COVID-19 vaccinations, click here. To learn more about Abrazo Health hospitals, visit AbrazoHealth.com.
