Covid-19 influenza or vaccination intervals? Can we do it at the same time?Kagoshima[10/18 19:30]
In the coming season, we are worried regarding the simultaneous epidemic of influenza and the new coronavirus. We asked an expert regarding the background and how to prepare.
Since the spread of the new corona, there has been a simultaneous epidemic with influenza, which did not occur until last season, but Junichiro Nishi, a professor at the Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medicine, who specializes in infectious diseases, said this year that the main reason for worrying regarding it. I’ll give you two.
(Professor Junichiro Nishi, Graduate School of Kagoshima University) “There has not been an influenza epidemic in two years, and the immune system is considerably weakened. Once it comes in, it is expected to become a fairly large epidemic. A new influenza epidemic has occurred.The upper limit on the number of people entering Japan has been lifted, and they can enter freely.We can expect the epidemic to be the same as it was before 2019 (before the corona virus).”
According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, regarding 10% of Japanese people are infected with influenza in one season. Influenza is characterized by a rapid rise in fever compared to the novel coronavirus. However, there are individual differences in symptoms, and there is a possibility of other infectious diseases, so Professor Nishi urges people to see a medical institution as soon as possible if they develop symptoms such as fever.
(Professor Junichiro Nishi, Graduate School of Kagoshima University) “(In fever) there are bacteremia, sepsis, nephritis, pneumonia, and meningitis. It is important to see a doctor regardless of corona or influenza.”
Influenza and the new coronavirus, which are feared to be epidemics at the same time, Professor Nishi says that it is important to get their vaccines early.
(Professor Junichiro Nishi, Graduate School of Kagoshima University) “In the case of Corona, a vaccine for the Omicron strain has appeared. The best prevention method is to hit two vaccines.”
Also, regarding vaccination intervals.
(Professor Junichiro Nishi, Graduate School of Kagoshima University) “There are no restrictions on the interval between influenza and corona vaccines. ) Other vaccines and the new coronavirus vaccine must be given at least two weeks apart.I think it is difficult to adjust when vaccinating children.