Flu Shot

The respiratory virus that is currently circulating in the United States is passed from person to person. Seasonal flu is spread by people infected with the virus who are coughing or sneezing. It can also be spread by touching something with flu viruses on it, such as a tissue or a doorknob, and then touching your mouth, eyes or nose.

You can protect yourself from the flu by washing your hands frequently with soap and warm water. You also can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. You should also avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Stay away from people who are sick (especially if they have fever, cough and a sore throat). Get plenty of sleep, exercise regularly, manage stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious foods.

The most important thing you can do for you and your family in preparing for flu season is to get the flu vaccine. This important step is now recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC) for everyone over 6 months of age.

The most common symptoms are sudden onset of fever (half having a temperature greater than 100.4), cough, sore throat, body aches, chills, headache and fatigue. Some people with the flu have experienced diarrhea and vomiting, as well. Stay home if you get sick. In most cases, people with the flu will get better without medical attention. Wait to be around people until your fever has been gone for 24 hours without taking fever-reducing medications.

Warning: Do not give aspirin or medications that contain aspirin to children 18 years and younger. If you are at risk for complications of influenza, call your healthcare provider.

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms, from mild symptoms to severe illness. Although symptoms of the flu and COVID-19 can look similar, they are caused by different viruses. While many people have built up immunity to seasonal flu strains, there is no known immunity to COVID-19. 

Globally, about 3.4% of people with reported COVID-19 cases have died. By comparison, seasonal flu generally kills less than 1% of those infected.

Differences

• Incubation: 2-14 days for COVID-19 vs. 1-4 days for flu
• Transmission: It is possible for COVID-19 to spread through airborne droplets after the infected person is no longer present (also see similarities)
• Onset: COVID-19 symptoms are generally gradual. Flu symptoms tend to come on abruptly
• Vaccine availability: You are able to get the COVID-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine at the same time.

Similarities

• Symptoms: Fever or chills, cough, congestion, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, severe headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea
• Transmission: Both can be spread by droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks (also see differences)
• Onset: COVID-19 symptoms are generally gradual. Flu symptoms tend to come on abruptly
• Cure: There are no drugs to cure COVID-19 or the flu. Treatment is for symptoms