Getting flu vaccine may have benefits vs COVID-19 — expert

(FILES) In this file photo taken on January 31, 2020, a man gets a flu shot at a health facility in Washington, DC. – Global influenza vaccine makers have produced a record number of doses for the coming flu season, as authorities try to ease the burden on hospitals ahead of an expected COVID-19 resurgence. (Photo by EVA HAMBACH / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — Getting flu shots may potentially have benefits against COVID-19, a flu expert said Wednesday.

Citing a recent study in the United States, Dr. Donald Ray Josue said COVID-19 patients who were vaccinated against the flu had less severe symptoms and were less likely to consult emergency departments in health facilities, as well as admissions in intensive care units.

“‘Yung mga pasyente na previously vaccinated with flu ay mas mababa ang nararanasan na matinding impeksyon o tinatawag na sepsis,” he said in a public briefing.

(The patients who were previously vaccinated with the flu vaccine have fewer symptoms of infection.)

“Mas mababa rin ‘yung mga number of COVID-positive patients who consulted ‘yung emergency department and even itong ICU admission,” Josue added.

(The number of COVID-positive patients who consulted the emergency department and even ICU admissions.)

“‘Yung pag-aaral na ito, tinitingnan niya na potentially maaaring mayroong maganda o positibong epekto ang pagbabakuna ng flu [laban sa COVID],” he continued.

(This study is seeing that there are potential good benefits of getting vaccinated with flu against COVID-19.)

However, he clarified that more studies would have to be done to fully conclude that flu vaccines also provide protection against COVID-19.

He also clarified that getting vaccinated against the flu does not mean an individual no longer needs to get vaccinated against COVID-19 since the two diseases are caused by two different viruses.

He said those who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 can also still have a flu shot.

Josue urged the public to get vaccinated against flu because it can help prevent a flu outbreak, which could result in further clogging of hospital facilities that are already overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients.

“Ang ayaw mangyari ay magkaroon ng flu outbreak. Makakatulong tayo i-conserve medical resources natin para tugunan ‘yung response sa COVID-19,” he added.

(What we don’t want is to have a flu outbreak. In preventing this, we can help conserve medical resources for our COVID-19 response.)

The Department of Health (DOH) earlier recommended the use of flu and pneumonia vaccines to prevent additional complications from COVID-19.

/MUF