The 2020 flu season is upon us and like many, we have concerns and questions. We talked to DHVI Investigator, Tony Moody, MD for answers.
Dr. Tony Moody is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases and the Department of Immunology at Duke University Medical Center. He is the director of the Duke CIVICs Vaccine Center (DCVC) at DHVI and co-director of the Centers for Research of Emerging Infectious Disease Coordinating Center (CREID-CC). He also serves as director of the DHVI Accessioning Unit.
What should we expect from this year’s flu season amidst the coronavirus pandemic? Should people worry it will be worse?

What are some things people can do to stay flu free?
First and foremost, get your vaccine this year. This will be good because 1) it will reduce the chance you will get flu and 2) if you don’t get flu, you are less likely to have to go to the doctor where you might be exposed to other things that sick people have.
Second, good hygiene, including hand sanitizing and the usual things like covering your mouth when you sneeze/cough, or doing those things into your elbow.
Third, this year I would avoid crowds as much as possible. Crowds are a great place for respiratory virus transmission, both because of close proximity and because people touch lots of things and then touch their face.
Fourth, take care of yourself, including eating well and doing other things to keep yourself physically and mentally strong. Exercise isn’t a bad idea, either.
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