Get flu shot to prevent ‘twindemic’

The coronavirus pandemic has put a damper on many of our late summer habits that look toward fall – college football and the Eagles, back to school traditions, high school sports – but others remain in place. One of those habits, which does not land in the “fun” category, is getting an annual flu shot.

Flu isn’t canceled, and the importance of getting a flu shot is more important than ever, say doctors.

“This (coronavirus) pandemic has truly tried and tested every aspect of not only health care, but our society,” said Dr. Jeffrey Held, vice president of medical affairs for Penn State Health St. Joseph in Berks County. “This influenza season will be the most unique we’ve experienced probably since 1918 when the last pandemic happened.”

Health care professionals are strongly recommending everyone, even those who believe they are not at risk, to protect themselves and others. Widespread protection from the flu virus will help prevent a second pandemic from starting, a “twindemic” which could be devastating to health care resources.

The best time to get shots is between September and Thanksgiving, and pharmacies and doctors are taking appointments now. The vaccine is already available at most locations.

The way people get their flu shots is impacted by the restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Health systems and organizations are currently developing and finalizing plans on how best to safely offer flu shots to the community.

St. Joseph Hospital in Berks, for example, will turn its drivethru COVID-19 testing area into a drive-thru flu shot clinic.

“That way people can stay in the safety of their car and by the very nature of being in the car, they’ll be socially distancing,” Held said. “Our experience with the drive-thru testing has really just made us more efficient in doing drive thru processes.”

One of the reasons it is important for as much of the community as possible to protect itself from the flu is because the symptoms for the flu and COVID-19 overlap, the experts said.

Common symptoms associated with both include fever, shortness of breath and cough. As with COVID-19, if left untreated the flu can progress to pneumonia, which can then lead to death. Doctors encourage those with elderly and otherwise at-risk family members to make sure they get their shot and check on them often during the winter months.

The good news amid the concern is the steps the community has been taking to prevent and slow the spread of COVID-19 are also effective with the flu.

Some medical experts are quietly predicting that the flu spread may be diminished this year by the precautions being taken with schools closed and large-scale gatherings prohibited.

It’s also becoming clear that wearing masks, avoiding crowds, frequently washing hands and keeping your distance are protections that are “not specific for COVID. They’re going to work for any respiratory virus,” Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told The Associated Press.

As evidence, doctors note that as winter is ending in the Southern Hemisphere, country after country — South Africa, Australia, Argentina – report their efforts against the coronavirus apparently blocked the flu.

Medical experts stress that does not guarantee the Northern Hemisphere will see the same thing.

“This could be one of the worst seasons we’ve had from a public health perspective with COVID and flu coming together. But it also could be one of the best flu seasons we’ve had,” said Redfield.

If the coronavirus has taught us anything it is that we cannot leave matters to chance when it comes to a contagious disease.

The flu isn’t canceled: Neither is your need to get the shot.

Flu shots are available at pharmacies and in store pharmacies including

Rite Aid, CVS, Giant, Weis, Walgreens, Target and others. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the best place to start for those who are having trouble finding a flu clinic is to consult with a family physician. The department also suggests using vaccine finders such as vaccinefinder.org.