Flu shots linked to fewer severe Covid-19 cases – US study

Calendar with reminder note to get Flu Shot

The flu vaccine is known to offer high protection against influenza – one of the most common viral infections that attack the respiratory system – and prevents thousands of hospitalisations each year. According to new research, the flu shot may, however, have further benefits. 

US researchers in Michigan found that people who were vaccinated against the flu last flu season were significantly less likely to test positive for Covid-19, the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, when the pandemic hit. And those patients in the study who had received the flu shot and tested positive for Covid-19 were found to have fewer complications.

The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that while influenza viruses circulate year-round, the flu season peaks between December and February in the US.