COVID-19 and Flu Season can Pose a Double Threat Amid Delta Spike

Date: 10/06/21

Buckeye Health Plan encourages Ohioans to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations

After last year’s extremely mild flu season, health experts are cautioning that this season could be more severe and strike earlier, threatening hospitals that are overwhelmed by the COVID-19 delta surge.¹  Why? Relaxed COVID-19 restrictions, such as stay-at-home orders and mask mandates, may result in an increase in flu activity.² In fact, health trends show that since restrictions have been lifted, cases of viral illness such as RSV and COVID-19 are spiking — making it likely that flu will follow suit.

“We’re in a much different situation this year with the state of the pandemic and our everyday lives,” said Dr. Brad Lucas, Buckeye Health Plan’s Chief Medical Officer. “People are returning to the office, and kids are back in the classroom. At the same time, some health protocols like requiring a face covering in public, have been relaxed. It’s now more critical than ever to get both the flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. Slowing the spread of these viruses through immunization and other preventative measures will decrease illness across Ohio.”

The flu shot can prevent and weaken flu symptoms. According to the CDC, flu vaccination prevents tens of thousands of hospitalizations each year.³  “We’re encouraging all community members six months and older to get their flu shot early to get protection through the full season,” said Dr. Lucas. “Call your doctor’s office, local pharmacy or retail clinic to schedule your flu shot today.”

Know the symptoms
Both flu and COVID-19 can be spread before symptoms appear, and they’re most often spread by coughing, sneezing, or talking; physical human contact; or touching a surface that has the virus on it and then touching one’s mouth, nose or eyes. Because most symptoms are the same, it can be difficult to tell which virus you have if you become ill.

COVID-19 and flu symptoms:                                                                

• Fatigue (tiredness)                                                                    
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing                            
• Fever or feeling feverish/chills                                                
• Sore throat                                     
• Cough                                                                                         
• Headache                                                                                   
• Runny or stuffy nose                                                                                                            
• Muscle pain or body aches                                                      
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Change in or loss of taste or smell, although this is more frequent with COVID-19

Typical differences:

COVID-19

• Symptoms may take up to 14 days after infection
• COVID-19 is generally more contagious than flu viruses
• COVID-19 has been observed to have more superspreading events than flu

Flu

• Sudden onset; symptoms typically appear one-four days after infection

Protect yourself

In addition to getting the flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, there are additional ways you can protect yourself and your family, including:

• Regularly washing hands throughout the day for at least 15 seconds, using soap and warm running water
• Covering coughs and sneezes with tissues, or coughing or sneezing into an elbow
• Avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth
• Cleaning and sanitizing surfaces often
• Staying at least six feet from other people
• Staying home when sick

“Despite preventative measures, some people will still get sick. If you come down with symptoms and you’re concerned you may have the flu or COVID-19, call your doctor immediately,” said Dr. Lucas. “While they are caused by different viruses, there is a lot of overlap in symptoms and it can be hard to tell the difference between the two.”

Support for Buckeye members

Buckeye is committed to helping its members and the entire community stay healthy throughout the year. Members can receive a free flu or COVID-19 vaccine through their doctor or at a pharmacy close to them. And, Buckeye rewards members for making these healthy decisions.

• Members aged six months and older get $25 added to their My Health Pays® rewards card for getting an annual flu vaccine.
• Members aged 12 and older also get a $100 gift card for getting their first COVID-19 vaccination.

 

 About Buckeye Health Plan

Buckeye Health Plan offers managed healthcare for Ohioans on Medicaid, Medicare, integrated Medicaid-Medicare (called MyCare Ohio) and the Health Insurance Exchange. Since 2004, Buckeye has been dedicated to improving the health of Ohioans, many with low incomes, by providing coordinated healthcare and other essential supports that individuals and families need to grow and thrive. Follow Buckeye on Twitter @Buckeye_Health and on Facebook. Buckeye is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a leading multi-national healthcare enterprise offering core Medicaid, Medicare and specialty services.

 

1. Wall Street Journal. The Flu Is Expected to Make a Comeback This Year, Threatening Hospitals Strained by Delta. September 9, 2021.

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Frequently Asked Influenza (Flu) Questions: 2021-2022 Season. September 16, 2021.

3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaccine Effectiveness: How Well Do Flu Vaccines Work? September 17, 2021.