This year more than any other year, the flu shots are super important. The CDC estimates that influenza was associated with more than 35.5 million illnesses, more than 16.5 million medical visits, 490,600 hospitalizations, and 34,200 deaths during the 2018–2019 influenza season.
Hospitalization Increases Chance of Getting COVID-19
Let’s take this in perspective. 35.5 million infections and close to half a million in hospitalizations. In this year with the pandemic, one of the key initiatives is to avoid the risk of being hospitalized. Specific data is not available about how many were hospitalized for other medical treatments and then got COVID-19. However, we all have heard several stories about those who were hospitalized for a UTI and then got COVID-19 while at the hospital.
This is not to suggest that hospitals are an unsafe place. To the contrary, the hospitals do an amazing job to keep the place safe for everyone. Particularly with the pandemic situation, the hospitals are doing everything within their ability to care for all patients and employees. However, from everything we have seen so far about COVID-19, we know very little. We know that the virus has been demonstrating several different mutations to the point that there are articles which even suggest certain mutations are airborne.
Why Avoiding a Hospital Stay is Key
This flu season we are likely to hear more about people who were hospitalized for the flu and then went on to get COVID-19. If you have it within your ability to prevent being hospitalized, wouldn’t you do that? So don’t wait. If you haven’t had the chance to get your flu shots, get it today. This would keep you, your family and your community safe.
