Its name dates to 1580, when an outbreakprompted Italian scientists to attribute it to the bad influence of a star -- or, "influenza."
Of course, it's not the heavens that bring this recurring malady, but the fluvirus, capable of making changes within itself each flu season -- requiring annual vaccination in order to keep up.
With a possible COVID surge this fall and winter --and an especially bad flu season in the southern hemisphere -- healthcare authorities urge everyone eligible to get vaccinated against flu, andget the recently approved COVID booster shot.
Wicked Local reached out to health experts to learn how badflu season might be, and how to reduce risks.
Will 2022 be a bad flu season?
There's no sure way to know what the flu season will bring, but one trend medical experts look at is the flu season in the southern hemisphere -- which experiences fall and winter from April-October.
"We look to our brethren in the southern hemisphere to see how this flu season is working out. In Australia, they had a really fast-moving and aggressive flu season," said Dr. Ted Calianos, president of theMassachusetts Medical Society. "Just because of what is happening in the southern hemisphere, we get a little concernedabout what's in store for this season."
More:Where can I get my flu shots and COVID boosters? Check here.
Since the advent of COVID, organizations monitoring disease trends have watched to determine when COVID surges could match a surge in other upper respiratory infections, a phenomenon that's become informally called a "twindemic."
In the U.S., flu season can vary, but generally runs September to April, and could go aslate as May.
In an Oct. 6 letter, health organizations including the Massachusetts Medical Society, theMassachusetts Health and Hospital Association,theMassachusetts League of Community Health Centers and others urgevaccination for defense againstthe flu and COVID.
“Our health care system is already strained by extreme capacity challenges, severe workforce shortages and an emergency department boarding crisis," the letter states."We must make every effort to mitigate the impact of anticipated surges in COVID-19, especially during cold and flu season, to not further stress our hospitals and health care system."
The CDC urges flu vaccines for anyone 6 months and older.
When is the best time to get a flu vaccine?
For most people in the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends September and October as good times to get vaccinated.
"We are right in the time when people should be getting vaccinated against the flu, and also, vaccines against COVID," said Calianos.
According to the CDCflu fact sheet, "While ideally it’s recommended to get vaccinated by the end of October, it’s important to know that vaccination after October can still provide protection during the peak of flu season."
The CDC notes the flu vaccine composition has been updated for this year. In addition, the CDC recommends one of three vaccine types for people 65 and older -- Fluzone high-dose seasonal vaccine,Flublok recombinant vaccine,and Fluad quadrivalent adjuvanted vaccine.
Are there places to get a vaccine if someone doesn't have a primary doctor?
Yes. A person without a primary care physician may be able to get a flu vaccination through agencies with physician's standing orders-- protocols approved by a physician or other authorized practitioner for healthcare personnel to performmedical tasks, such as giving vaccinations, without a physician's approval.
The Department of Public Health encouragesstanding orders for vaccinations to provide greater access and reduce spread of disease.
More:One in three people will get shingles in their lifetime, here's what you need to know
Standing orders for flu vaccines are produced by the Immunization Action Coalition, with input from state health departments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and are used nationwide.
Anyone without a primary care physician, or without insurance, can check policies and availability at vaccine sites such as pharmacies, community health centers, and their local health department.
Randolph Public Health Director Gerard Cody said the town's Health Department contracts a local physician to review the town's vaccination plan as part ofstanding orders for vaccine administration.
"It details how the vaccine is administered to a patient and when a patient is medicallyeligible to getvaccinated," Cody said.
Can I combine a flu shot with a COVID booster?
Yes.
"TheCDC is recommending that you can get both at the same time, and we currently have both available,"Weymouth Health Director Daniel McCormack said.
What are the side effects of the flu vaccine?
"Typically, there are no side effects," McCormack said."Some individuals feel some tenderness at the site of injection for a day or two. Over-the-counter pain medication is effective in alleviatingthe discomfort."
"The side effects of the vaccinations are usually extremely self-limiting," said Calianos. "Usually, the most common things are discomfort at the site of an injection. Sometimes, people can feel achy, low-grade fevers."
