Flu vaccine and COVID-19

Posted by klotzgang1964 @klotzgang1964, Mar 18, 2020

I am a healthy 55 year old. I recently retired from teaching, so I have been exposed to a lot the last 30 years. I have not been one to get the influenza vaccine because I really try to do things with common sense. I eat well, I exercise, I wash my hands, do I really need the flu vaccine with this Coronavirus? Is there research on healthy people who DO NOT vaccinate with the various influenzas? I really don't wish to put things into my body if I continue to follow good hygiene. Please advise. Thank you.
Yvonne Klotz

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Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Mar 18, 2020

Hi @klotzgang1964 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. The flu vaccine will not protect you from COVID-19. Researchers are working on a vaccine specifically for COVID-19, but it won't be available for months. Here's more information:

- COVID-19 vs seasonal flu: What you need to know about both https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/covid-19-vs-seasonal-flu-what-you-need-to-know-about-both/
- Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast: Vaccine expert’s advice on COVID-19 https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-qa-podcast-vaccine-experts-advice-on-covid-19/

In addition to diligent hand washing (for at least 20 seconds), are you also keep your distance from other people (social distancing)?

mayofeb2020 | @mayofeb2020 | Mar 18, 2020

In reply to @colleenyoung "Hi @klotzgang1964 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. The flu vaccine will not protect you from..." + (show)

Check out this link! Hope is on the horizon!! https://amp.usatoday.com/amp/5066114002

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Mar 19, 2020

In reply to @colleenyoung "Hi @klotzgang1964 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. The flu vaccine will not protect you from..." + (show)

@colleenyoung- I wonder if everyone who is said to have the flu is being tested to make sure that it isn't COVID-19.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Mar 21, 2020

In reply to @merpreb "@colleenyoung- I wonder if everyone who is said to have the flu is being tested to..." + (show)

@merpreb, testing is limited at the moment. Most juridictions are working hard at increasing the availability of testing.

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