Well, one good thing is that I won't bother to get a feakin' flu shot this year! Actually maybe

[Maru Kitteh]

14. As an infection control nurse I gotta tell you I think that's a TERRIBLE idea this year.

Last year there was very little influenza. Here's why:
- Masking. Everywhere.
- Scrupulous hand washing by many
- Social distancing
- Working from home
- Increased emphasis on cleaning high-touch surfaces at grocery stores and other public-facing businesses
- Hand sanitizer suddenly appeared everywhere
- Schools and churches were largely operating on hybrid and virtual models, limiting contact
- Large gatherings were often limited by law and/or poorly attended
- Summer camps, band camps, state tournaments and other youth events that typically featured young people by the hundred in close quarters for days at a time were mostly limited or cancelled
- There was a much stronger ethos of staying home when you felt ill
- Increased emphasis on cough etiquette

ALL OF THOSE PROTECTIONS ARE RIGHT OUT THE WINDOW NOW

Influenza WILL return, and infection with both influenza and COVID will happen to some at the same time.

If you start with an asymptomatic or mild breakthrough case of COVID and you contract influenza at the same time? All bets are off on the severity of either of your illnesses, lingering effects and your chances of survival.

Get your flu shot.



Nurse /out