In the past two years, flu rates had decreased due to mitigation strategies put in place for the coronavirus pandemic. But people should expect some changes for the 2022-2023 flu season, which won’t follow the same trend according to experts. 

Australia’s most recent flu season has been declared by epidemiologists to be the continent’s worst in five years, according to a Sept. 28 article by The Loop, a publication centered on health care news from the University of Iowa (UI). The U.S. could very well be on a similar path, and professionals are stepping forward with solutions and suggestions for the upcoming year. 

“I do anticipate an increase in the number of flu cases compared to years prior since precautions like mask wearing and social distancing are less routine,” Infectious Disease Specialist Karen Brust told The Loop.“Receiving your annual flu vaccine is always the right starting point.”  

Those who have previously been affected by COVID-19 may be more susceptible to the virus due to a compromised immune system. Plus, focus which has been understandably put into the global pandemic over the past few years has caused a lack of vaccines administered this past flu season. However, it is still crucial to get vaccinated. 

“For most people who need only one dose for the season, September and October are generally good times to get vaccinated,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

The flu vaccine is available to anyone over the age of three years old at locations such as Walmart, CVS and Walgreens pharmacies.  The composition of the flu vaccine has been updated recently along with three different variations of the shot. These variations are dependent on age and are important to the vaccine’s effectiveness: Fluzone Quadrivalent for children, Flublok Quadrivalent for those who are 18 or older and Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent for those 65 or older. 

Receiving a vaccination is an easy way to prevent the severity of illness and is recommended by the majority of medical professionals. Taking initiative this flu season can be seen in a variety of ways:exercising regularly, getting proper nutrients through diet, getting vaccinated and maintaining pandemic precautions.