Is it flu?
The flu, COVID-19, and the common cold are all contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. Because COVID-19 and the flu have symptoms in common—like fever, chills, cough, aches, sore throat, and fatigue—it may be difficult to tell them apart without a diagnostic test. Use this Coronavirus Self-Checker from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help you decide when to seek testing and medical treatment.
Getting an annual flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community from flu. Even healthy people can get the flu, which can cause illness and even death, and places a burden on healthcare resources needed to fight COVID-19. By getting a flu shot now, you have a better chance of avoiding the flu later, especially when more activities move indoors during the late fall and winter.
In addition to getting a flu shot, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones by continuing to wear a mask correctly, washing your hands thoroughly and frequently, and maintaining social distance as much as you can.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends an annual flu vaccination for everyone 6 months of age and older. Young children, pregnant women, people 65 years and older, and people with certain chronic health conditions are among those at high risk for flu complications.