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 There are many reasons for getting a flu shot, says Libby Richards,
an associate professor of nursing who specializes in public health
in Purdue University’s School of Nursing in the College of Health
and Human Sciences. Chief among the reasons is that both the flu and
COVID-19 are contagious respiratory illnesses that present similar
symptoms.
“Both COVID-19 and the flu can impact the elderly and those with
chronic conditions – such as heart and lung disease – the hardest.”
Richards says. “Severe cases of both COVID-19 and the flu require
the same lifesaving medical equipment.
“This highlights the importance of getting the flu vaccine, not only
for your own personal health, but also for the health of your
community. Receiving the flu vaccine will help reduce the burden of
respiratory illness on our overstretched health care system.”
Once a person has had a flu shot, it takes up to two weeks to reach
peak effectiveness.
Children over the age of 6 months and people in high-risk categories
such as older adults, pregnant women, and those with asthma, heart
and lung disease, diabetes and cancer, should get a shot.
If a person cannot get a flu shot for medical reasons, Richards
says, practicing good hygiene is the best method to minimize
exposure.
“Washing hands, covering one’s mouth when coughing and properly
disposing of tissues and avoiding close contact with others are
simple steps to be safe during this time,” she says.
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Richards says that if a person is experiencing high fever, a cough, sore throat,
muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue, they should stay home.
“Most healthy adults will recover from flu without medical intervention. If your
symptoms deteriorate rapidly, call your health care provider,” she says.
“Everyone should stay home until they are fever-free for 24 hours without the
use of over-the-counter medications.”
With similar symptoms, it may be hard to tell the difference between COVID-19
and the flu, and testing may be ordered.
“If symptoms worsen, call your health care provider for advice on next steps,
such as testing,” Richards says.
About Purdue University
Purdue University is a top public research institution developing practical
solutions to today’s toughest challenges. Ranked the No. 6 Most Innovative
University in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, Purdue delivers
world-changing research and out-of-this-world discovery. Committed to hands-on
and online, real-world learning, Purdue offers a transformative education to
all. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue has frozen tuition and
most fees at 2012-13 levels, enabling more students than ever to graduate
debt-free. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next
giant leap at https://purdue.edu/.
[Writer, Matthew Oates,
Source: Libby Richards]
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