Pediatrician and vaccine researcher from Mayo Clinic Children’s Center stresses the importance of getting a flu shot this year

Flu season is getting underway in the U.S. while the COVID-19 pandemic continues to surge. Both the flu and COVID-19 are respiratory illnesses that are highly contagious, but they are caused by different viruses. The best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each year. Mayo Clinic experts are noticing the numbers of people being vaccinated for the flu are concerning and want to stress the importance of receiving a flu vaccination.  Dr. Robert M. Jacobson, pediatrician and vaccine researcher from Mayo Clinic Children’s Center spoke with KAUS News via a teleconference with the media Monday who talked about the main reasons as to why experts with Mayo are concerned about the number of people who have been vaccinated for the flu for the 2020 season…

Dr. Jacobson went on to talk about the similarities between the flu and COVID-19 in how they present themselves when diagnosed in patients…

Dr. Jacobson stated later in the teleconference that the simultaneous test for the flu and COVID-19 should be available in the near future.  Influenza is a respiratory infection that can cause serious complications, particularly in young children, older adults and people with certain medical conditions.  Officials with Mayo have stated that getting an influenza vaccine, though not 100% effective, is the best way to prevent the misery of the flu and its complications.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends an annual flu vaccination for everyone ages 6 months and older.