Flu

The vaccine, however, still is likely to protect against severe illness and death.

The key to avoiding a “twindemic” of COVID-19 and influenza in senior living and other congregate care settings is for operators to adopt a “not on my watch” attitude toward illness by stressing...

This year’s flu season is gaining traction with a strain that is especially dangerous for older adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Patients may misattribute adverse effects commonly caused by the zoster (shingles) vaccine to the influenza vaccine.

The researchers found that 50.5% of beneficiaries aged 19 years or older had Medicare claims for influenza vaccination: 54% were aged 65 years or older.

Tests will be be particularly useful during flu season because the tests can help distinguish between the flu and COVID-19.

The significant increase shown by the company’s analysis of its own data reflects the historically low levels of flu last year as people stayed home, wore masks and got a record number of flu shots...

The survey, however, also revealed that 98% of those who got a flu shot last season do plan to get one again this year.

Severity of the upcoming flu season is unclear, but other respiratory infections have already returned

Relaxed COVID-19 mitigation measures, travel and a lack of protective immunity against last season’s influenza virus could mean a potentially “vigorous respiratory virus season,” according to public...