Doctor says get flu shot soon or risk ‘super infection’ with COVID-19

ATLANTA — It’s the first day of September and we’re getting closer to flu season. As we head into fall, you’ll see more reminders about scheduling a flu shot.

Georgia hospitals are in high gear treating patients getting sicker, faster, with the delta variant of coronavirus. And this is the time of year we usually start hearing about another virus, the flu.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

“If you’ve never had a flu shot before, this might be the year to go ahead and get that flu shot with the Delta variant circulating. You don’t want to get a super infection,” said Dr. Jayne Morgan, Executive Director of Piedmont Healthcare’s Coronavirus Task Force.

The CDC is sharing messages saying September and October are good times to get the flu shot, and to try to get it done by the end of October.

For people at high risk also looking at the Covid booster, check with your doctor about timing.

Morgan said most of us can get both the Covid booster and flu shot at the same time. But keep in mind you may not feel great for a day or so.

“And if you do experience symptoms, this is your immune response letting you know that your antibodies are revving up and that your body is getting ready to protect itself,” Morgan said.

RELATED STORIES:

• ‘The fear you see in people’s eyes:’ Inside a COVID-19 ICU in north Georgia
• Child deaths from COVID-19 remain rare, but not impossible
• Delta variant accounts for nearly 100% of all COVID-19 cases now in Georgia

Morgan wants to be clear about why you need to get both shots.

“The flu vaccine does not protect you from COVID. The COVID vaccine does not protect you from the flu. So, you need to get both vaccines,” Morgan said.

Last year’s flu season was a breeze. Many doctors think that was because of all the COVID precautions.

But this year more people are back at work and back at school, so they’re concerned about the flu making a comeback this fall.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Parents worry as the number of COVID-19 cases continue to rise in children Children and COVID-19

©2021 Cox Media Group