COVID-19 vs. Flu

One common myth around COVID-19 infections is that a person can only get sick from either COVID-19 or the flu, but not both. In fact, it is possible to be infected with COVID-19 and the flu, and this is something you want to avoid.

COVID-19 is similar in many ways to the flu in that both of them are contagious respiratory illnesses, meaning they affect your lungs and breathing, and can be spread to others. Both COVID-19 and the flu can spread from person to person through droplets when an infected person sneezes or coughs. In some cases, the viruses can be spread when a person touches an infected surface (e.g., doorknobs, countertops, telephones) and then touches their nose, mouth, or eyes.

While the flu and COVID-19 are caused by different viruses, both can cause you to experience fever, cough, body aches, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea (especially in children).

Certain symptoms like shortness of breath and loss of smell or taste are more commonly associated with COVID-19 than the flu. However, COVID-19 symptoms can vary depending on which strain you've been infected with.

Because of these similarities, it can be difficult to tell the difference between the flu and COVID-19 when symptoms appear.

If you start to develop symptoms, follow the precautions recommended for COVID-19 infections set out by your local public health unit.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/COVID-19-and-the-Flu-Shot-What-You-Need-to-Know