Credit: PA Internet News Service
Pennsylvanians are urged to get a flu shot and COVID-19 vaccination boosters.
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The Pennsylvania Department of Health and Acting Health Secretary and Pennsylvania Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson urged residents to protect themselves as the 2022-2023 flu season kicks into gear.
Flu cases are rising in the country in October, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.)
“The CDC has previously warned the U.S. may see a harsh flu season after few to no cases were reported over the last two years,” ABC News reported.
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“Influenza is serious and can be deadly, which is why it is important that Pennsylvanians receive their flu vaccine. The flu shot is the best way to protect yourself against influenza, but I also encourage people to take other preventive measures to protect themselves from the spread of influenza. This is also an opportunity to continue the work of mitigating COVID-19 by receiving the new COVID-19 vaccine,” Johnson said.
Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness, caused by the influenza virus. It attacks the nose, throat, and lungs and may include the following symptoms:
- fever
- headache
- tiredness
- dry cough
- sore throat
- nasal congestion
- body aches
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Similarly, COVID-19 symptoms could include:
- fever
- cough
- shortness of breath
- diarrhea
- chills
- repeated shaking with chills
- muscle pain
- headache
- sore throat
- new loss of taste or smell
Everyone 6 months of age and older is advised to get a flu vaccine or nasal spray this year to protect against the virus. The flu shot frequently lessens the severity of any symptoms a person might have if they contract the virus. Both the original viral strain and the Omicron variant, including subvariants BA.4 and BA.5, are protected against by the improved COVID-19 bivalent boosters, according to state health officials.
State officials officials said it is important to receive both vaccinations to protect yourself against both diseases because both vaccines lower the risk of getting sick, needing to go to the hospital, and even dying.
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It is safe to receive both the COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time, according to the CDC.
“The flu shot and COVID-19 bivalent booster are both available by visiting your doctor’s office, pharmacy, grocery store, local walk-in clinic or state health center by appointment,” said Johnson. “The vaccination process is quick, easy and helps protect yourself and anyone you may encounter this flu season, which is just beginning. We recommend getting vaccinated before the end of October.”
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