Dr. Mark Montano, market medical director for CareNow Denver locations, was recently interviewed by a local news station regarding COVID-19 precautions and flu shots. With the coronavirus pandemic on everyone's minds, it's easy to forget we are right in the middle of flu season. Dr. Montano shares the importance of receiving the flu shot, wearing our masks and remembering to social distance. He states, "Usually germs are spread by us touching our face, rubbing our nose or our eyes and then touching objects around us or shaking hands so all of the things we're doing to keep safe for COVID-19, definitely keep us safe from influenza."
The best way to prevent the flu is to get an annual flu vaccine. One of the most common questions we receive is "Who is eligible to receive the flu vaccine?" Our clinics recommend: anyone 6 months of age or older receive the vaccine. This includes Adults, children 6 months to 18 years, pregnant women, anyone with a weakened immune system, residents of long-term care facilities, or anyone with a chronic health condition and people who spend time with a person at risk for flu complications. Dr. Montano states, "It's always better to have some protection, so I always recommend getting the flu shot, even though it's not always a perfect match for the strains which are going around."
It's also important to know, the flu and the coronavirus have very similar symptoms, including: fever, chills, cough, fatigued, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle pain or body aches and headaches. If you are feeling ill, you should ask your provider for both a flu and a coronavirus test as soon as possible.