Flu Forecast: 2021

In New England, the flu season typically runs from October to May. Last winter, the number of flu-related hospitalizations and deaths was historically low. Community mitigation measures; like physical distancing, frequent hand washing and sanitizing, indoor mask wearing, and staying home while sick; weren’t just keeping people safe from COVID-19. They were preventing the spread of other viruses like influenza, too. But as people return to work, school, and social gatherings, will we see a particularly harsh flu season this winter? Our guest expert this week is Dr. Leonard Mermel, an infectious diseases specialist and medical director of the department of epidemiology and infection control at Rhode Island Hospital. Dr. Mermel talks about how the influenza virus spreads and offers his predictions on the severity of the 2021-2022 flu season. Co-hosts Dr. Jim McDonald and Dr. Philip Chan also chat with Dr. Mermel about the importance of getting your flu shot and your COVID-19 vaccine to protect yourself and those around you from getting sick this winter.  Flu shots are important for everyone older than six months. But they are especially important for certain people who are at higher risk, like older adults, younger children, healthcare workers, pregnant women, people with a weakened immune system, and people with chronic medical conditions like diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and asthma. Download this week’s episode to learn more.