Each year the flu causes millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations, and tens of thousands of deaths in the United States. While it is unclear exactly what will happen this fall and winter, when there will likely be COVID-19 and flu at the same time, this could place a tremendous burden on our health care systems. That’s why the Ocean County Health Department (OCHD) is urging everyone do their part to help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, like flu and COVID-19. Getting a flu shot, continuing to follow social distancing measures and wearing a mask will help in mitigating the spread of both viruses.

“The influenza vaccine will not protect against COVID-19, but it does have important benefits,” explained Ocean County Freeholder Gerry P. Little, liaison to the Ocean County Board of Health. “Getting a flu shot can lower your risk of getting sick, being hospitalized or dying from flu. If you’ve never had a flu shot, this is certainly the year to get one especially with COVID-19 being another potentially deadly respiratory illness.”

Getting a flu shot is also an important preventive tool for people with chronic health conditions. The following is a list of benefits according to the Centers for Diseases and Prevention (CDC).

Lowers rates of some cardiac events in people with heart disease.

Lowers risk of flu illness and hospitalization among pregnant women by 40%.

Protects baby from flu for several months after birth.

Shown in several studies to lower severity of illness in people who get vaccinated but still get sick.

Protects the people around you. This is particularly important for people who are more vulnerable to flu’s serious complications.

“Getting a flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from flu this fall and winter,” said Daniel Regenye, OCHD Public Health Coordinator/Health Officer. “The more people vaccinated, the more people protected. Getting a flu vaccine is something everyone can do to reduce the impact of flu. It not only will protect yourself and your community, but it will protect the medical providers on the frontlines who will continue to deal with COVID-19 and flu patients.”

The flu vaccine will be extremely important this season since hospitals, clinics, and doctors’ offices are likely to be busy caring for COVID-19 patients.

Getting a flu vaccine will:

Help keep you out of a medical setting.

Lowers risk of severe COVID-19 complications.

Help conserve medical resources needed for care of COVID-19 patients.

Help protect frontline health care and other essential workers.

A flu vaccine is an easy way to help “flatten the curve” of flu illness.

When is the best time to get a flu shot?

Getting a vaccine before flu activity begins in your community.

September and October are good times to be vaccinated.

Although vaccination by the end of October is recommended, if you have not gotten by that time, you should still get vaccinated. Vaccine given in December or later, even if influenza activity has already begun, is still beneficial.

CDC has provided guidance on how to vaccinate people in a safe environment this season. Visit www.vaccinefinder.gov to find a place nearby to get your flu vaccine.