It’s especially important to protect yourself this year, as both the flu and COVID-19 will be spreading at the same time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) points out. It’s even possible to have both infections simultaneously. (Luckily, at this point, people with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] don’t seem to be at greater risk of being infected with COVID-19 than people without IBD, according to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.) Both ulcerative colitis and the medication used to treat the disease can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to infection, says Arun Swaminath, MD, director of the IBD program at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. Take these three steps to avoid catching the flu this season.
1. Get a flu shot.
Flu season can start in late November, so it’s ideal to get your shot in October or before. But if you missed that window, you should still be vaccinated, because the flu usually peaks in January or February — and can last until as late as May. If you were vaccinated against last year’s virus, you may have a little more protection against the current strain of influenza, says Freddy Caldera, DO, an assistant professor of gastroenterology and hepatology at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. “Vaccines are safe and don’t cause flares of the disease,” he says. “If you’re immunosuppressed, any infection [you get] can be worse.” Just make sure you opt for the inactivated vaccine, not an intranasal inhaled spray (the live attenuated vaccine), Dr. Caldera says, because live viruses can be dangerous for people with compromised immune systems. Encourage your family and close friends to get the flu shot, too. That way, the people around you will be partly protected from the virus. While the flu shot doesn’t always prevent the flu, people who’ve been vaccinated tend to have a milder case of the illness than those who don’t get the shot. Finally, know that the flu shot will not increase your risk for COVID-19, says the CDC. If you need assistance finding a safe place to get vaccinated while COVID-19 is spreading in your community, visit VaccineFinder.org.
2. Protect yourself against germs.
The flu is spread primarily through close contact with people who already have the virus — via the droplets from a sneeze or cough, for example. Limit your exposure to people who may be sick, says Dr. Swaminath. The CDC notes that people are most contagious in the first 3 to 4 days after getting sick. The influenza virus can also survive on surfaces, so you can become infected if you transfer the bug to your mouth, nose, or eyes. That’s why it’s a good idea to wipe down tables, doorknobs, and other areas that might be contaminated — and avoid touching your face whenever possible. The CDC also encourages people to wash their hands often with soap and water. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available. “You don’t have to live life in a bubble,” says Swaminath, “but wash your hands regularly, use alcohol sanitizers, and don’t let people sneeze on you.”
3. Call your doctor if you get sick.
If you suspect you’ve caught the flu, call your doctor. Influenza symptoms include:
FeverCoughSore throatBody achesChillsFatigue
If you have ulcerative colitis, “Anytime you have a fever, chills, or other signs of infection, reach out to your gastroenterologist,” Caldera says. Doctors treat the flu with antiviral drugs, which can lessen the severity of your illness and shorten the time that you’re sick, according to the CDC. These meds can also reduce the risk of complications and even prevent you from needing to go to the hospital. “If we can catch and treat the flu early, your risk of complications is reduced,” says Caldera. Another reason to keep your doctor up to date about your health: Some ulcerative colitis treatments, such as an upcoming injection, may need to be delayed until the fever resolves, he says. Talk to your doctor before making any decisions.
