Flu seasonis here and we’re still in the midst of a pandemic.
And with the emergence of a new buzzword, flurona, people understandably have more questions than ever.
When does flu season start and how long does it last?
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How dangerous is the flu?
What symptoms should I watch out for?
Even if your case doesn’t require a doctor’s visit, having the flu is no picnic.
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However, with the new Omicron variant, not losing smell or taste may not be a helpful indicator.
“But with Omicron that possible differentiator may be of no use at all.”
you could’t know for sure that you have the flu or COVID-19unless you take a lab test.
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Won’t the flu shot prevent me from getting it?
But getting the vaccine doesn’t guarantee you won’t get the flu.
Before you ask, yes: You should still get a flu shot.
In addition to preventing the flu, Pierre says the vaccine can also shorten the duration of the sickness.
“We absolutely recommend getting the flu vaccine,” says Dr. Pierre.
“The flu vaccine process is a well-vetted process we know flu vaccines are both safe and effective.”
A nasal spray vaccine is available as an alternative to the flu shot.
What exactly is flurona?
It sounds like an unholy crossbreed of the flu and coronavirus.
But that’s not exactly the case.
“The only thing hybrid about flurona is the term itself,” says Dr. Blaivas.
“What it refers to is having both infections at once.
This is indeed theoretically possible.”
But is it likely you’ll end up with both simultaneously?
There’s no way to know if you have both concurrently without testing.
But its important for anyone to reduce their risk.
But they dont replace the need for a flu vaccine or mitigate the importance of other preventative measures.
For example, you should also behandwashing religiously(and don’t shy away from the Purell).
Additionally, she suggests taking supplements that include vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc.
Just be sure to check with your own doctor before starting supplements.
Continuing to follow COVID-19 precautions is another important way to prevent the spread of both illnesses.
“So it makes sense that COVID-19 protective measures would be just as effective in protecting against flu.
If I get the flu, how long will it last and what are my treatment options?
Even if you feel horrible, use it as an excuse to catch up on your favorite TV shows.
There are prescriptionantiviral drugsthat can help treat the flu, but doctors usually dont prescribe them for otherwise-healthy adults.
“You do need to take them within 48 hours of your symptoms starting.
The sooner you take them, the better,” she says.
As with any drug, there are potential side effects to antivirals including nausea and vomiting.
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