Why health experts are stressing on the importance of flu shots

COVID-19 has been an unprecedented pandemic the world is facing and there is no slowing down for the virus, as of yet. Even as we wait for a vaccine ardently, people have been adopting stringent measures- from dietary hacks, boosting their immunity, taking supplements or using precautionary measures, anything to safeguard themselves from the infection. Some doctors are now also recommending people to get flu vaccine shot- which has been touted to act as a preventive shield against the soaring viral infection and decrease the risk of developing other respiratory problems like H1N1 and pneumonia, which could aggravate a person's risk of getting COVID-19.

While a common practice in the West, flu shots aren't deemed essential in our country. There's still a lot of awareness that's needed and for those who do vaccinate, tend to simply dismiss off flu vaccine shots for the younger ones. So, could flu shots really be the key to slowing down COVID-19?

Flu shots are vaccine doses which help prevent people against catching influenza. Getting annual flu shots are considered to be the best bet of defence against catching the infection. Since the virus keeps on mutating every year, people are asked to get flu shots every year. Pregnant women, infants, children, people aged 65 and above and those with pre-existing conditions are considered to be at a higher risk and thus are recommended vaccines more often than others.

Both COVID and Influenza are caused by a virus and they are both a type of respiratory illness, leading to mild or severe form of infection and can sometimes, be fatal. They also spread the same way, usually, from human to human contact. However, unlike the everchanging COVID-19, influenza has a definite treatment and vaccine, which has been able to curb the disease from spreading.

COVID-19 is still being studied. There's no proof that any one treatment or preventive measure could protect you from catching COVID-19. However, administrating flu shots, especially to those at-risk can help garner protection against other respiratory infections and problems which can increase the likelihood of catching COVID-19. Experts say that getting a timely flu vaccination may also help reduce other related illnesses which have similar symptoms.

Some studies done in the early months after the pandemic started also drew an interesting link between COVID hospitalization and flu vaccine driven immunity. According to one study, researchers in Brazil studied 92,000 samples and found out that individuals who took a flu shot were less likely to develop severe forms of COVID with increased natural immunity. Moreover, difference in mortality rates was also observed. Flu vaccination saw a 20% drop in mortality rates for those who took the vaccine before the onset of the disease and 27% in those who took the vaccine after the pandemic's spread.

A study published in the journal ScienceDirect also suggests that effective vaccination could build innate immunity and may even reduce the risk of respiratory complications associated with the pandemic.

In the US, another worst-affected nation by the COVID crisis, the Centres of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working on increasing availability of the flu vaccine to stress on the importance and protect high-risk groups.

Many also feel that emphasizing the role of flu vaccinations will make people more aware of the dangers of flu, and ultimately, prepare them as and when a COVID-19 vaccine comes into existence. Since COVID-19 pandemic is making people realize the value of timely vaccinations, getting a flu shot, which otherwise isn't too common in our country will be popularized. In India, the flu season also generally plays from September to February, so getting a shot right now will root out any fear in time before the infection reaches its peak.

Flu vaccines carry an efficacy rate of anywhere between 20-70%. They work by generating an immunogenicity response in two weeks' time and do not lower down natural immunity in any way. While it is the most beneficial for senior citizens, and young kids, healthy individuals can take the vaccine too.

Although the vaccines have been in existence for a long time now, every year a new shot is released as the virus strains keep on changing.

Timely vaccination could also cut down on hospitalization rates and save resources for those in need in the current timeline. A flu shot might not be the most effective tool guaranteeing you protection right now, but it could definitely downplay the risk of catching additional infection risks.