The Flu vs. Coronavirus: Get Your 2020 Flu Shot
The flu is still the flu.
October is the ideal time for a flu shot.
This year’s flu season feels different. We’ve spent most of 2020 managing the risks and challenges of COVID-19, only to have the flu show up right on schedule. Don’t feel overwhelmed — the precautions you’re already taking to reduce your risk of illness are a great start, but you’ll still need to get a flu shot.
Understanding COVID-19 vs. Flu
Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses. They share many of the same potential symptoms, including fever, chills, fatigue, body aches, sore throat and cough. Both spread from person-to-person via respiratory droplets when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes. If you experience any of these symptoms, stay away from others and call your doctor. Both the flu and COVID-19 viruses are dangerous because of the life-threatening complications they can cause in people of all ages.
Make the Flu Shot Your Priority
Although a flu shot cannot protect you from COVID-19, it is the most effective precaution you can take to prevent contracting the flu. It is possible to become sick with the flu and COVID-19 at the same time.
We want to avoid that very serious scenario. A flu shot is safe and easy to get —and October is an ideal time. It is recommended that all people 6 months and older get a flu shot.
Jubeth Burlison, DO, is a family medicine physician in Oviedo who sees patients ages six and up. She is fluent in English and Spanish.
To schedule a flu vaccination appointment with a primary care provider, visit CentralFloridaPrimaryCare.com or call 407-599-6111.
Flu vaccinations are also available at your nearest Centra Care and can be scheduled CentraCare.org.
