Dec. 2, 2022
Dear Members of the Baylor College of Medicine Community,
In this week’s video, we focus on seasonal flu. I brought in an expert Dr. Tony Piedra, professor of molecular virology and microbiology, for a conversation on some of the top questions about flu – what determines the vaccine each year, how serious this season will be and how the vaccine is performing this year.
We also will go over why the flu season started so early this year and why it is so much worse, as in number of cases and hospitalizations, when the last two years were so mild. If you’re guessing COVID may be a factor, you are correct. Texas, by the way, is listed as very high in flu activity.
With COVID still around and an uptick in cases expected in a few weeks, RSV on the rise and a high number of flu cases, there are a lot of people showing cold and flu symptoms. Remember to stay home if you are sick, wear a mask if you are going to a crowded place and contact your physician if your symptoms become serious. It is not too late to get the flu vaccine, but get it as soon as possible, and be sure to get the bivalent booster for COVID.
Have a great weekend!
Paul Klotman, M.D.
President & CEO
Executive Dean
