More Questions than answers, the way of the future

My thanks to Ken from the Tri-Cities Seniors Acton Society for this 

Will the Influenza season interact with COVID this Fall?

How will the influenza season interact with COVID this Fall? Nobody really knows.

Last year, influenza virtually disappeared. There were many countries all over the world that recorded very few incidences of influenza. We had a very low flu season last year because people were wearing masks, physically distancing, and washing their hands with hand sanitizers and following good health practices.

The major benefit of the very low influenza season last year is that there were significantly lower rates of heart attacks or serious heart disease. Significant cardio-vascular complications--particularly heart attacks, fell drastically. The reason?

Influenza causes inflammation and inflammation increases the risks of heart attacks and other heart conditions. So…when the flu goes away, there are fewer heart attacks. So that’s good.

The problem? Nobody knows what’s going to happen this year.

Is the flu going to come roaring back? Our bodies have not developed any natural immunity over the last 18 months with the lack of exposure to community flu germs. Will, there be a sharp rise in Influenza this Fall or will we have a quiet flu season because people are wearing masks, washing their hands, and physically distancing?

Here is a reminder: When we hit flu season (October and November), we really don’t want COVID and flu to interact at the same time. When they announce that the influenza vaccine is available--please get it. It will lower your risk of getting flu and heart disease and respiratory concerns and potentially interacting with COVID.

This year in BC, the Influenza vaccine is a quadrivalent shot that gives better protection for all. For those seniors over 65, it is important to ask for the High Dose Influenza quadrivalent shot--4X the strength to boost your immune system. (about $80) We’ve seen how vaccines are effective. We need to get the word out to our communities to get that “herd immunity” level. We can do it. We did it with the COVID vaccine.

The following information on locations and pricing is for readers in BC Canada.

Reserve your Influenza Vaccine NOW at your nearest pharmacy across BC at this safe website: https://seniorselfcare.ca/vaccines  The pharmacy will contact you when the flu vaccine is available and will have you book an appointment.

• Be sure to have both your COVID shots,

• Get both of the Pneumonia shots (Pneumovax-23 (free) and Prevnar 13 ($125),

• Get your two Shingles shots (Shingrix--2 shots at $150 each), 

• Get your Diphtheria, Tetanus, & Pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine booster (every 10 years),

• and in the Fall get your Influenza shot. If you are over 65 years of age, please ask for the High Dose Influenza Vaccine that allows your immune system to give your more effective protection.