By Dr. Kelly McGrath

Although so much of the focus over the past two years has been on the Covid 19 virus, we should not forget an old adversary, the Influenza virus. Influenza is a viral illness caused by the influenza virus which traditionally has a predictable seasonal influence on illness and death. In the northern hemisphere, influenza infections typically peak in the winter months between December and March. Historically, influenza-related illnesses and deaths have been significant. With all the infection control measures in place during the peak of the Covid 19 pandemic, influenza infections dropped significantly but we should not be complacent as a result. Now, with any of those measures no longer in place, it is expected that we will have a typical pattern of influenza illness this winter. For that reason, perhaps more than in the last 2-3 years, this is an important year to get vaccinated against influenza virus with the flu vaccine to prevent illness, time off work, complications and even death.
In any given year, there are 2 general types of influenza viruses circulating: Influenza A and influenza B. Both can cause significant illness. The flu vaccine targets both of these viruses. This standard flu vaccine protects against 2 strains of influenza A infection and 2 strains of the influenza B infection. One of the challenges that vaccine makers have each year is to match the vaccines to the strains that are most likely to create illness in a given year. This can shift over time which makes this a difficult task to match the vaccine with the circulating viruses. This is less of a challenge this year because one of the “silver linings” of the Covid pandemic is that we saw much less variation in the types of influenza viruses circulating. This makes it easier to match the flu vaccine with the circulating viruses this year.
It is recommended that all individuals greater than 6 months of age receive the influenza vaccine. The technology used to produce this vaccine is not new and is been around for a very long time. The vaccine’s safety in adults and children is well established. The priority groups to get vaccinated are those who are at high risk for complication from influenza infection. This includes individuals greater than 50 years of age, those living with chronic illness, obesity, pregnancy and those children between 6 months of age and 5 years of age. It is also important in that anyone living with these individuals who are at higher risk also prioritize vaccination to avoid transmitting influenza to these vulnerable individuals. Quite often, people can transmit the influenza vaccine to others a day or so before they even have any symptoms which reinforces the importance of vaccinating family and caregivers. The Influenza Vaccine has been shown to consistently reduce risk of infection, death, hospitalization and associated complications. Some of the complications that are also associated with influenza infection include heart attacks and neurologic complications.
For individuals older than 65 years of age, there may be benefit to getting the high-dose flu vaccine which is available. This helps to protect this age group that is at higher risk for that outcomes from the influenza infection. If the high dose flu vaccine is not available, it is important just that these individuals are vaccinated with the standard vaccine.
The flu vaccines are available at most pharmacies as well as through our clinics at Clearwater Valley Health and St. Mary’s Health. The best time to get vaccinated is right now so take a little time to get protected today.