APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) – While the COVID-19 pandemic remains prevalent across the state, doctors are issuing reminders that we are still in the middle of the typical flu season.
“Starts in September, kind of builds through October, November and it peaks in January, February,” said ThedaCare Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Mark Cockley. “So we’ve got to be careful that influenza is around. You can get COVID and influenza at the same time. The symptoms are very similar…Really on a symptom basis, you can’t tell the difference. So it’s important to get that seasonal influenza vaccination. It’s recommended for anyone 6 months of age or older.”
With those similarities, it’s also important to get tested if you start showing symptoms.
“Testing is the main way to determine, so if you start having symptoms, you need to get tested. More likely now, you’re gonna get tested for COVID and influenza to try and differentiate what’s there,” Cockley explained. “Most people who get influenza do recover in a week to 10-day period. But both could have similar complications whether it’s pneumonia, respiratory failure, sepsis, extended period of time in the hospital – so neither of them can be taken lightly.”
Cockley adds that just because you received a flu vaccine, it doesn’t mean you’re covered for COVID-19. It’s a different virus and a different process, he says, so one will not cover the other. The first COVID vaccines are expected to be approved later this month, but likely won’t be widely available until summer.
In the meantime, he joins other healthcare professionals in calling for everyone to wash their hands, keep their distance, and wear a mask.
“All that stuff works well to prevent influenza. This last spring when all the COVID was coming around and people started distancing themselves, we did see a decrease in influenza throughout the community,” Cockley said.
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