MONTREAL, QC / ACCESSWIRE / September 28, 2021 / The 2020 flu season was one of the mildest flu seasons in recent memory. As the COVID-19 pandemic raged, governments around the world put strict social distancing measures in place. While these measures were aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19, they were also effective for fighting the flu. This year, however, the risk of a bad flu season is heightened according to Dr. Raymond Rezaie.
"Our efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic were also effective for controlling the spread of other diseases, including influenza," Dr. Raymond Rezaie says. "With many countries reducing social distancing and with in-person schools back in session, the flu virus could spread quickly this year."
Schools are often hotbeds for microbes. And if kids young or old get sick, they could quickly pass on the virus to their parents and other family members. While many school districts are encouraging hand washing and wearing masks to reduce the spread of diseases, the influenza virus is very contagious.
All of the above is true for people heading back to work in offices as well. Remote work helped greatly slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Just like schools, offices allow viruses and other microbes to quickly spread. Many companies are taking precautions, but it might not be enough to slow the spread of the influenza virus.
"If your employer or school is offering remote work and learning options, it's smart to consider taking advantage of those opportunities," Dr. Raymond Rezaie suggests. "Going into the office one or two days a week, rather than 5 days, may reduce your chances of catching a cold."
It's also possible that our immune systems have become a bit "soft," having not been exposed to as many viruses and microbes over the past months.
Social distancing has stopped the spread of many microbes, including influenza. However, every time your immune system encounters a bug, it has a chance to learn how to counteract the microbes. This experience can strengthen your immune system, potentially making it easier to fight future bugs.
"Outside of COVID-19, many people have suffered fewer colds and illnesses over the past year and some months," Dr. Raymond Rezaie notes. "By and large, this is a good thing and proof that social distancing works. But as social distancing eases, bugs will spread, and our immune systems may be in for a bit of a shock."
Dr. Raymond Rezaie Suggests Getting a Flu Vaccine
One of the best ways you can prime your immune system for confronting illnesses is to get vaccinated. Each year, you can get influenza vaccines that will help your body prepare for new strains of the flu. Even if you typically skipped the flu shot, it's smart to get vaccinated this year.
"The best way to get your immune system up to speed for the upcoming flu season is to get vaccinated," Dr. Raymond Rezaie says. "In a sense, vaccines train your immune system to respond, and that training could go a long way right now."
CONTACT:
Caroline Hunter
Web Presence, LLC
+1 7865519491
SOURCE: Dr. Raymond Rezaie