FDOH: Influenza, COVID-19 are different, get flu vaccination now
PANAMA CITY — Health officials are placing an extra emphasis on flu vaccinations this year because influenza and COVID-19 have different health impacts.
"They are two very separate viruses and illnesses," said Heather Kretzer, Florida Department of Health Bay public information officer.
"We have found that for COVID-19, it primarily affects the populations 65 (years of age) and older," she said, noting, "children have better outcomes from COVID-19 than the flu."
FDOH officials recommend flu vaccinations for people six months of age and older, especially those at higher risk — children under 5 years of age, pregnant women, elderly people, and those with compromised immune systems.
Since March, the CDC has confirmed more than 200,000 deaths nationwide related to COVID-19. For the 2019-2020 flu season, from December to April, 24,000 to 62,000 flu-related deaths were reported.
Kretzer said contracting the flu while already battling COVID-19 "could mean very poor outcomes" for the person.
According to a state DOH report updated Monday, people 65 and older made up 74% of the deaths and 57% of hospitalizations associated to COVID-19 in Bay County.
Bay County has reported 6,199 positive cases, 359 hospitalizations, and 113 deaths — 27 of those were associated with long-term care facilities. The local average age of people who have contracted COVID-19 is 42.
"We are definitely encouraging people more so this year to get the flu shot than before," Kretzer said. It's not only about "protecting themselves, but also it's for the health of other people around them."
While the flu can be contracted at any time, it peaks in the winter. It is most contagious the first three to four days after it begins, but can continue to spread up to seven days, according to the CDC. Symptoms sometimes can remain dormant and spread without the person knowing.
When asked about social distancing to help control spreading the flu, Kretzer said "staying home when sick and hand washing" are good practices made most effective when done in conjunction with getting vaccinated.
"The vaccine is going to be the best" preventative method, Kretzer said. The flu vaccine is not a replacement for practicing CDC guidelines for COVID-19; and practicing CDC recommendations solely does not replace flu vaccinations.
The health department is offering flu shots by appointment only because of the pandemic. Shots for children are free; $36.24 for adults. High dose vaccinations also are available. FDOH accepts health insurance.