Influenza (Flu) Season

Influenza activity is expected to return in the fall. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends all people aged 6 months and older to get a flu vaccine. Getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever to protect yourself and the people around you from flu and can also help support healthcare systems should COVID-19 cases rise again. 

CDC also recommends that we "Take 3" actions to fight the flu:

1. Take time to get a flu vaccine - The CDC urges you to get a flu vaccine. Vaccination is the single most important step you can take to protect yourself and others against infection.
2. Take every day preventative actions to stop the spread of germs - Cover your cough; practice good hand hygiene using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, avoid close contact with sick people, and if you get sick, limit your contact with others.
3. Take the flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them - It will reduce the length of illness and reduce the risk of transmitting it to others.

For more about this season's flu virus and guidance for treatment and prevention, go to the CDC Influenza website for the latest information.

What is the Difference between Flu and COVID-19?

Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with coronavirus (called SARS-CoV-2), and flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses. Because some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, it may be hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone, and testing may be needed to help confirm a diagnosis. It is important to know that the COVID-19 vaccines and boosters do not protect against influenza viruses, and the flu vaccine does not protect against COVID-19. Flu and COVID-19 share many characteristics, but there are some key differences between the two.

Similarities:

Both COVID-19 and flu can have varying degrees of signs and symptoms, ranging from no symptoms (asymptomatic) to severe symptoms. Common symptoms that COVID-19 and flu share include:

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle pain or body aches
• Headache
• Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, although this is more common in children than adults

Differences:

Flu

Flu viruses can cause mild to severe illness, including common signs and symptoms listed above.