The coronavirus has been around now for more than 6 months, but with influenza season up and coming, now is the time to start planning ahead.

According to the Lansing State Journal, flu season doesn't normally start until mid December. A flu shot lasts 9 to 10 months and McLaren Greater Lansing Practice is encouraging people to get their flu shots in early October.

It seems like everywhere I go, everyone is asking have you been able to get your flu shot yet? It has been highly recommended that most people should get a flu shot this year especially with the risk of COVID-19 still lingering.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, it is possible to be infected with both the COVID-19 and influenza viruses at the same time, and that scenario would be devastating. (LSJ)

Can you get influenza from a flu shot? According to a family medicine physician, it's not possible to get influenza from a flu shot because it is not a live virus vaccine.

Your body may mount an immune response, which is what we want because it gives you the protection against the flu. Those effects could include fever, chills and headaches, which are typically minor.

Who should get a flu shot? "A flu shot for everyone 6 months of age and older. It's especially important for people with health issues like COPD, diabetes and heart disease to get vaccinated because of the additional risks the influenza can pose for them." (LSJ)

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