Lakiea Wright, MD: The Importance of Flu Vaccination

The large overlap in symptoms between influenza (flu) and allergies means it can be difficult for healthcare providers to always make an accurate diagnosis. The start of autumn thus marks the onset of flu and fall allergy seasons, which may become all the more complicated during the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

In a recent interview with HCPLive®, Lakiea Wright, MD, allergy and immunity, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, stressed that during this pandemic it becomes all the more essential for healthcare providers and clinicians to encourage their patients to receive their flu vaccination.

Many providers and healthcare system have developed novel strategies to ensure that individuals have easy and safe access to the vaccination. For example, drive-through flu clinics have become a more prevalent means of administering the vaccine.

Previously, Wright explained that fever, sore throat, cough, and shortness of breath are typical overlapping symptoms between flu and allergies, as well as with COVID-19. Nonetheless, she emphasized the increasing necessity to utilize the healthcare resources that are currently available.

“Even though that the symptoms overlap, it’s really important to make sure that patients are vaccinated, which will be really important for this upcoming season.” she said.