October officially marks the start of flu season and while preventing the flu is important every year, it’s especially crucial while we are in a pandemic. Here’s what you need to know about this flu season.
The “Twindemic”
Dr. Nate Favini, Forward’s Medical Lead, is expecting this to be a challenging flu season because both the flu and COVID-19 will be circulating. He says the symptoms of flu and COVID-19, such as fever, cough, and fatigue, can be very similar. That overlap makes it difficult to distinguish between the two without a test. “This can cause personal stress for you and your family and may make a trip to the doctor necessary for confirmation of the diagnosis,” says Dr. Favini, “That’s one reason why it is so important to get the flu vaccine this year.”
Preventing Flu
Getting your flu shot reduces the chance you’ll get sick. This not only protects you, it also reduces the likelihood that you will transmit the flu to others around you, such as your family and community. Last year, there were 14.5 million medical visits and 490,000 hospitalizations due to the flu, according to the CDC.
Favini shares: “It’s important to lower that number this year in order to prevent hospitals from becoming overwhelmed with COVID-19 cases compounding on top of seasonal flu case numbers.”
How Forward Can Help
- Flu Shot: Almost everyone of any age should get a flu shot every year. The flu shot is included in your Forward membership, making it easy to protect you and your loved ones. Dr. Favini recommends getting the flu shot in October to make sure you have immunity during the peak months of flu season, but notes “the flu shot is beneficial anytime the flu is still circulating, so get it in November or December or later if that’s the earliest you can make it happen.”
- Co-Testing: This year Forward will offer co-testing for flu and COVID-19 to all members who need it. This allows our members to have peace of mind about what is causing any flu-like symptoms they may be experiencing. Co-testing for both flu and COVID-19 requires a single nasal swab and takes less than one minute for sample collection. It is possible to have the flu and COVID-19 simultaneously. Though this is rare, it can alter treatment planning, making co-testing especially important.
- Updated Assessment: Forward’s COVID-19 Symptom Assessment has been updated for flu season, so that our Care Team understands exactly what you’re experiencing and can get you the help you need right away.
This fall and winter, like always, Forward is prepared to help support your health. To get started with your flu shot, fill out the Flu Shot Questionnaire in the Forward App.
