The annual flu shot and COVID-19 vaccines protect against respiratory illnesses. Many wonder if a flu shot is appropriate during a COVID-19 infection. Understanding health authority guidance is important for informed health decisions.
Current Health Guidance
Health organizations advise against getting a flu shot with a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection. The primary reason for this delay is to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to healthcare providers and other individuals in vaccination settings. Delaying vaccination also helps prevent confusion between potential vaccine side effects and ongoing COVID-19 symptoms.
Individuals with COVID-19 should wait until they meet isolation criteria before seeking a flu shot. This means symptoms have resolved and the isolation period has been completed. Consulting a healthcare provider for personalized advice is recommended.
The Risk of Co-infection
Getting a flu shot is important, as it is possible to contract both influenza and COVID-19 simultaneously, a situation known as co-infection. Studies indicate that individuals co-infected with both viruses face a higher risk of severe illness. For instance, research has shown that patients hospitalized with both COVID-19 and influenza were 2.4 times more likely to die and four times more likely to require mechanical ventilation compared to those with only COVID-19. Co-infection can lead to more severe outcomes, increased hospitalizations, and a greater strain on healthcare resources. While the flu shot does not protect against COVID-19, it reduces the overall burden of respiratory illnesses, helping to preserve healthcare capacity.
Flu Shot Considerations After COVID-19
For individuals who have recovered from COVID-19, getting a flu shot is advised once isolation protocols are complete. If there were no symptoms, the recommendation is to wait at least 10 days after the date of the first positive COVID-19 test. If symptoms were present, one should wait at least 24 hours after a fever has resolved without the use of fever-reducing medications and other symptoms have improved.
For those who experienced severe COVID-19, a longer waiting period, up to 20 days, is advised, and consultation with a doctor is recommended. Receiving the flu shot after recovering from COVID-19 does not compromise any immunity gained from the COVID-19 infection or vaccination. It is also safe and convenient to receive both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines during the same visit once the isolation period has ended.