Importance Of Flu Shots

WAAY 31'S Grace Campbell spoke with a medical professional about the significant number of flu cases.

Today is october 1st - which marks the first day the alabama department of public health begins collecting data for its weekly flu reports.

And in north alabama - one medical professional told us she's already seeing a significant number of flu cases.

Waay 31's grace campbell talked with her about her message this flu season!

A nurse practitioner at american family care in madison told me even though flu season is just starting - the practice is already seeing some severe cases.

Julie: "i do feel like seeing as an aggressive approaches as we've seen, it is coming a little bit harder and a little bit quicker" julie knopp is a nurse practitioner at american family care in madison.

She said there are a lot of benefits to getting the flu shot - especially this year.

Knopp said with covid-19 still wide-spread - it's important to do everything you can to keep from getting sick, especially since it's possible to get both viruses a the same time.

"the last thing somebody needs, especially with a weak immune system, is to contract flu on top of covid.

We are seeing patients that are testing positive for covid and for flu."

Courtney taylor told me she recovered from the coronavirus a few months ago.

She said she hasn't gotten the flu shot in about five years - but decided to get it this year as a precaution.

Taylor knows the flu vaccine doesn't guarentee she won't get the flu - but it's another way to proect herself and those around her.

"i've been like really good about the whole social distancing and safety precautions, and wearing a mask everywhere, and constantly using hand sanitizer after i touch everything.

So, i mean, you could still do all those things and still get the flu or coronavirus."

Knopp says it is smart for people to take preventative measures, like getting the flu shot, so if you do get the coronavirus you have a better chance of recovering.

"i believe naturally the more viral illnesses or bacterial illnesses that we contract, it is going to continue to weaken the immune system making it harder to heal."

In madison, grace campbell waay 31 news.

You are able to get the flu shot and get tested for both the coronavirus and flu at american family