Nurse: Flu Shot Could Help Avoid COVID-Influenza Double Whammy

(KNSI) — Minnesota recorded its first two influenza-related deaths last week, according to the Department of Health. With cold and flu season here, on top of COVID-19 still being an issue, health care professionals are urging people to consider getting a COVID vaccine and a flu shot.

Registered Nurse Kelly Robinson says people can get the two shots in different arms. “There’s no waiting period,” she says. “If you got your flu shot last week, you can get your COVID vaccine this week.”

Health experts say low vaccination levels are tied to several factors, including distrust of the healthcare system, personal and religious freedoms, and the worry about getting sick from the vaccine.

Robinson said the added level of protection from the flu shot is key for a better outcome as certain people get the flu every year, but “You may get sick, feel lousy for a week, but you know that you will recover.”

Robinson also volunteers with the American Heart Association and adds that the goal is to avoid the dangerous situation of getting influenza and COVID-19 back to back. Aside from getting vaccinated, Robinson finished by saying people can protect themselves by washing their hands and practicing social distancing.

The Minnesota Department of Health released new data Friday regarding breakthrough COVID-19 case data for those vaccinated against the disease, getting sick, being hospitalized, and dying from COVID-related complications.

The data has some lag time, but the most recent numbers available through October 3rd show 64,844 breakthrough cases, 2,956 hospitalizations, and 483 deaths. That’s about 2% of fully vaccinated people getting sick, .092% of those fully vaccinated being hospitalized, and .015% of coronavirus-related deaths in those fully vaccinated.

See the latest daily numbers by clicking here.

Last week, CentraCare and Carris Health made a plea for the public to please get vaccinated and rededicate themselves to handwashing, social distancing, and mask-wearing. They also asked the public to stay away unless their situation is an absolute emergency and try to get into an urgent care center, see their primary care provider and do a virtual visit before coming in to a hospital. Any healthcare professionals with current licensure were also called to come and help at area facilities as they fill up with patients.

___

MNC Reporter Mike Moen contributed to this report.

___