February 28, 2020

Why getting a flu shot is advised amid coronavirus concerns

A discussion with UA epidemiologist Michael Worobey.

Federal health officials warned this week that the U.S. should prepare for a possible coronavirus outbreak. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the immediate risk remains low, its ongoing spread around the globe makes the virus harder to contain. Arizona 360 learned more about the concern and what early precautions people can take from Michael Worobey, department head of the University of Arizona Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.

“One of the things I would recommend is to get your flu shot. Again, we have something available for a similar respiratory virus that can protect people. And even if it doesn’t directly protect you from landing in the hospital, it may protect the next person in line who might not get infected if you don’t have as much virus in your body,” Worobey said.

According to Worobey, even if the vaccine doesn’t prevent someone from contracting the flu, it can help mitigate its impact.

Arizona 360
Arizona 360 airs Fridays at 8:30 p.m. on PBS 6 and Saturdays at 8 p.m. on PBS 6 PLUS. See more from Arizona 360.
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