The world is still reeling from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, but there is another potential health crisis looming on the horizon: the return of the flu.

The flu virus is always present

Unlike COVID-19, which was a novel virus that emerged in 2019, the flu is a virus that has been around for centuries and affect millions every year.

In fact, the flu virus is always present, circulating around the world, and causing seasonal flu every winter. Usually, the flu season peaks around December or January, but it can start as early as October and last until May.

The flu can affect people of all ages, from infants to the elderly, but certain groups are more vulnerable than others, such as pregnant women, people with chronic medical conditions, and the elderly.

The flu disappeared during COVID-19 pandemic

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, many parts of the world went into lockdowns, social distancing, and mask-wearing, which led to a decline in the transmission of respiratory viruses, including the flu.

In fact, during the 2020-2021 flu season, which coincided with the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of flu cases was very low in many countries, including the United States.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported “historically low levels” of flu activity, with only 1,500 flu cases detected from September 2020 to January 2021 compared to the average of about 130,000 cases for the same period in the previous five seasons.

The flu may return after two years

Now that many countries are gradually easing COVID-19 restrictions, more people are mingling, traveling, and going back to work and school, which may increase the risk of flu transmission.

According to experts, there is a possibility that the flu may return with a vengeance this winter after two years of hiding. The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that “low levels of influenza transmission during the COVID-19 pandemic appear to have led to a smaller pool of vulnerable people,” which may make the next flu season worse than usual.

The flu can be serious

While many people may consider the flu as just a mild illness that causes fever, cough, and fatigue, it can also be severe, causing complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus infections.

In some cases, the flu can lead to hospitalization or death, especially in people with weakened immune systems. According to the CDC, an estimated 38 million people got sick with the flu during the 2019-2020 season in the United States, resulting in 22,000 deaths.

The flu vaccine is the best protection

The good news is that there are ways to protect yourself from the flu, and one of the most effective is getting the flu vaccine. The flu vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent the flu or reduce the severity of the illness if you do get sick.

The vaccine works by stimulating your body’s immune system to produce antibodies that can recognize and fight the flu virus. Although the flu vaccine is not 100% effective or guaranteed to prevent all flu cases, it can still reduce the likelihood of getting sick and spreading the virus to others.

The flu vaccine is widely available

The flu vaccine is widely available in many countries and can be given as early as September or as late as April, depending on the season.

In the United States, the CDC recommends that everyone six months and older should get a flu vaccine every year, with rare exceptions. The vaccine is available as an injection or nasal spray, and a high-dose vaccine is also available for people aged 65 and older.

The flu vaccine is usually covered by most health insurance plans and is also available at many pharmacies, clinics, and doctors’ offices.

Other ways to prevent the flu

In addition to getting the flu vaccine, there are other ways to prevent the flu, such as practicing good hygiene and avoiding close contact with sick people. Here are some tips:.

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth, as the flu virus can enter your body through these areas.
Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, and dispose of the used tissue properly.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and stay home if you are sick to avoid spreading the virus to others.

Conclusion: Be prepared for the flu season

Although the world has been preoccupied with the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important not to forget about the flu, which remains a serious health threat, especially for vulnerable populations.

With the flu season approaching, it’s important to be prepared and take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from the virus. Getting the flu vaccine is the best way to reduce your risk of getting sick, but it’s also important to practice good hygiene and avoid close contact with sick people.

By being vigilant and proactive, we can help prevent the spread of the flu and keep our communities healthy and safe.