Is Flu the Next Pandemic?

Multiple factors contributing to a lower-than-average flu season in 2020-2021 are discussed.

Panel speculates on the upcoming flu season for 2021-2022.

A discussion on the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and the potential impact on the upcoming flu season.

Slight variation in the flu vaccine from last season based on limited data.

Promise of a dual COVID-19/influenza vaccine in development.

Several reasons patients are reluctant to getting the flu vaccine.

Challenges in messaging as the understanding of COVID-19 evolves.

Differentiating between COVID-19 and influenza.

Potential changes within office visits for COVID-19 and influenza.

Importance of properly diagnosing COVID-19 vs influenza to offer therapeutics.

Getting real time results when testing for COVID-19 and influenza.

The Status™ COVID-19/Flu A&B - Rapid SARS-CoV-2/Influenza A+B Antigen Panel Test: rapid testing for COVID-19, Flu A&B in one test.

The importance of a rapid and accurate COVID-19 and influenza test.

The concept of the “immunization neighborhood” highlighting the importance of pharmacists in encouraging and administering vaccinations.

Encouraging testing of symptomatic COVID-19 or influenza patients and utilization of available therapeutics.

Final thoughts from experts on controlling COVID-19 and influenza.

Dr George Loukatos illuminates influenza vaccination rates and prevalence of influenza cases for the current flu season compared to previous years as well as the current status of COVID-19 in the US.

George Loukatos, MD, defines the term “flurona” and provides insight on common symptoms and targeting treatment from a respiratory standpoint for coinfection with SARS-CoV-2 and influenza.

Dr George Loukatos reviews available tests for the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses and the benefits of using 1-swab nasal tests.

George Loukatos, MD, shares clinical pearls for the management of the SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses.