Fall is here, and that means respiratory virus season is coming. Medical experts say now is the best time to get an annual flu shot.
Arizona had a massive flu season last fall and winter, with more than 75,000 confirmed cases — more than double what is typical in the state.
Dr. Aneesh Narang, assistant site medical director with the emergency department at the Banner-University Medical Center Phoenix, said Arizonans should not underestimate how dangerous influenza can be.
“I think it surprises people to know that many people with the flu are hospitalized. Tens of thousands of people die from the flu every year in the United States,” Narang said.
Arizona had eight pediatric deaths from flu in the last year, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services.
Young children, adults over 65, and people with compromised immune systems are at the highest risk for complications from flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
But Narang said even if you are not at high risk for severe disease, the virus can cause fever, body aches and nausea.
“For about one week, you’re going to feel miserable,” Narang said. “Even at the bare minimum, why would you want to go through that if you have a safe and effective way to prevent that?”
The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older should receive an annual flu shot.
“There’s very few contraindications for getting these vaccines, the vast majority of people should be getting them,” Narang said.
Narang said the shots not only help you avoid getting sick but also help prevent the virus from spreading.
“Elderly parents, elderly family members, people who have chronic illnesses — you would not want them to get sick, so that’s another reason to do it, you want to protect others that are close to you,” Narang said.
During the last flu season in Arizona, caseloads were highest in late December. Narang recommends getting a flu shot before the end of October so that you have built up immunity well ahead of the virus’s seasonal peak.
Narang recommends Arizonans talk to their doctor to find out which vaccines are right for their individual needs. He said data shows it is safe to receive a flu shot alongside vaccines for other common seasonal respiratory viruses, including COVID-19 and RSV.
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