Public Radio for the Piedmont and High Country
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Experts advise flu shots for upcoming season

It’s the beginning of flu season. Experts say September and October are ideal months for flu shots.

The severity of a particular upcoming flu season is often tough to predict until it’s in full force, and modeling can be difficult. But so far this year, flu activity in the southern hemisphere — one typical early predictor — does provide some early information, and Novant Health Medical Director Dr. Charles Bregier calls it reason for pause.

He says most indicators are that this flu season will be more severe than in the past two years, and he advises people to get their shots early.

"The flu vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death from the flu just as the COVID vaccines have been for COVID severe illnesses and death," says Bregier.

Bregier says the current flu vaccine protects against four strains, typically results in a 40% to 60% reduction, and it can be taken simultaneously with COVID booster shots. He recommends that those over 65 get the higher dose flu vaccines that are also readily available.

Before his arrival in the Triad, David had already established himself as a fixture in the Austin, Texas arts scene as a radio host for Classical 89.5 KMFA. During his tenure there, he produced and hosted hundreds of programs including Mind Your Music, The Basics and T.G.I.F. Thank Goodness, It's Familiar, which each won international awards in the Fine Arts Radio Competition. As a radio journalist with 88.5 WFDD, his features have been recognized by the Associated Press, Public Radio News Directors Inc., Catholic Academy of Communication Professionals, and Radio Television Digital News Association of the Carolinas. David has written and produced national stories for NPR, KUSC and CPRN in Los Angeles and conducted interviews for Minnesota Public Radio's Weekend America.

Support quality journalism, like the story above,
with your gift right now.

Donate