Why Flu Vaccination Is More Important Than Ever, with Jason Yaun, M.D.

Jason Yaun, M.D.

Credit: Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital

As flu season progresses, understanding the latest trends, vaccination importance and effective prevention strategies is crucial to staying healthy. In an interview with The Educated Patient, flu expert Jason Yaun, M.D., a pediatrician, associate professor of pediatrics and division chief of Outpatient General Pediatrics at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, shares insights into flu activity, common misconceptions, and the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones during this season of heightened respiratory illnesses.

With flu season already underway, can you share what we can expect in the coming months in terms of flu activity and trends?

Jason Yaun, M.D.: As we move through the flu season, it’s useful to look at patterns from the Southern Hemisphere, which often give us clues about what to expect here. Recent trends show longer flu seasons with more intense peaks, putting a heavier burden on our healthcare systems.

Typically, we see influenza peaking from December to February, but it can linger into May. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports high influenza activity across the United States, and this trend is expected to continue and possibly rise in the coming weeks.

Can you explain the importance of flu vaccination this season?

JY: We’ve seen a concerning decline in flu vaccination rates over recent years, which poses a significant risk to public health. When fewer people are vaccinated, we face higher rates of hospitalizations, increased absences from work and school, and added pressure on our healthcare systems.

The CDC reports that as of early January, only 42.9% of children have been vaccinated against the flu, which is down from 48.1% at the same time last year. With flu activity remaining high and expected to rise in many regions, it’s crucial for everyone to prioritize getting a flu shot.

It’s not too late to get vaccinated. Even later in the season, a flu shot can provide protection as long as the virus is circulating. Getting vaccinated not only protects your health but also helps safeguard the well-being of your community by reducing the spread of the virus.

What are some common misconceptions about the flu that you often encounter, and how would you correct them for our readers?

JY: One of the most common misconceptions is that the flu is merely a severe cold. While symptoms like coughing and congestion can overlap, the flu is much more serious and can lead to severe health complications and hospitalizations, particularly for vulnerable groups, including people of any age with chronic medical conditions such as lung or heart disease, adults over the age of 65 and children under 5.

Another misconception is that if you’re healthy, you don’t need the flu vaccine annually. The truth is, anyone can catch the flu, and because it spreads easily through the air via coughs, sneezes or even talking, you can be exposed anywhere. The flu vaccine is updated each year to protect against the most prevalent strains, making annual vaccination essential for effective protection.

By getting vaccinated every year, you not only protect yourself from the flu and its complications but also help reduce the spread of the virus in your community. This is especially important for protecting those who are most at risk.

What are the most effective strategies for preventing the flu and other viruses, especially for families with young children?

JY: The most effective strategy for preventing the flu and other viruses is to get vaccinated annually. The CDC recommends that all people 6 months and older get a flu shot to stay healthy and protected against serious illness and hospitalization. And while influenza is circulating alongside other respiratory viruses, like COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the CDC has concluded through scientific evidence that people may get influenza, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines during the same visit.

In addition to vaccination, practicing good hygiene is essential. Encourage regular handwashing with soap and water and teach children to avoid touching their faces. It’s also important to keep a safe distance from people who are sick and to stay home if you’re feeling unwell to prevent spreading illness to others.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is another key component. Ensure your family is eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep and staying active to help support a strong immune system. These combined strategies can significantly reduce the risk of flu and other viral infections.

Are there any specific flu symptoms that people should be particularly vigilant about, especially with the possibility of other illnesses like COVID-19 circulating?

JY: Flu symptoms can often resemble those of other viruses, such as COVID-19, so it’s important to recognize signs that may indicate serious flu complications. Be particularly vigilant for symptoms like difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, severe muscle pain, seizures, or a high fever and cough that initially improve but then return or worsen. Additionally, any worsening of chronic medical conditions should be closely monitored.

Given the overlap of symptoms with illnesses like COVID-19, it’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider if you experience any severe or concerning symptoms. They can help determine the cause and ensure you receive the appropriate care. Early medical attention is key to managing complications and reducing the risk of severe illness.

What advice do you have for people who are hesitant to get the flu vaccine this year?

JY: I encourage all individuals to speak with their healthcare providers about how to best protect themselves, their families and the public.

A growing number of studies have shown that even when vaccinated people get sick with flu, their illness is less severe. Additionally, multiple different influenza viruses usually circulate during any one season, so it’s also important to remember that flu vaccines protect against three different influenza viruses (two influenza A viruses and one influenza B virus). For these reasons, the CDC continues to recommend flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu and its potentially serious complications.