Why COVID precautions may make a flu shot more important this year

Diligence during the COVID pandemic the past few years kept seasonal flu at bay but that's also a reason you might need a flu shot this year.

Dr. Fatemah Sabet, medical health officer with Interior Health, said the number of respiratory infections have been rising across the province, and that’s typical for this time of year. She said it’s too early in the flu season to know if there is an extraordinary rate of the illness.

However, since COVID-related protocols required the public to be masked and practice social distancing over the past two flu seasons, Sabet said many people avoided catching it – and that prevented their immune systems from getting boosted by fighting it off.

“So we probably have weaker immune systems to protect us this year.”

That’s why it’s especially important to get a flu shot this year, Sabet said.

She said vaccines are the most important measures that can be taken against COVID or the flu, it’s safe to get both vaccines at the same appointment, and the benefits of the vaccines far outweigh the risks.

You can book your flu shot here.

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