Various health experts have explained why it is important to get flu vaccine even if it does not prevent coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
In a report by Khaleej Times, health professionals noted that the flu shot can help prevent other diseases that can weaken the lungs, and in turn, make a person even more vulnerable to COVID-19.
“The flu vaccine doesn’t offer protection against Covid-19, but some studies suggest that the vaccine would help in reducing the severity of the virus. That is, if a person vaccinated against flu contracts Covid-19, he is likely to have mild symptoms,” said Dr. Ayesha Khalid, family medicine consultant at Burjeel Medical Center in Abu Dhabi.
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She added that the flu vaccine would help reduce the burden on the country’s healthcare system, because people who are vaccinated with the flu shot will have less chances to falling sick due to influenza, which could make them vulnerable to COVID-19.
Khalid also said that without flu shot, doctors and nurses will have difficulty ensuring that flu and COVID-19 patients won’t mingle with each other.
“Little information is available on the severity of Covid-19 and other viral co-infections. But a recent report from China suggests that influenza and Covid-19 co-infections may result in more severe disease in high-risk patients and complicate the diagnosis. Getting the flu shot will help the general public reduce cold and flu symptoms, which often mimic COVID symptoms, she said.
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