Flu Vaccine

Question 1

What is the difference between flu and coronavirus?

Answer

Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a new coronavirus (called SARS-CoV-2) and the 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.

Question 2

Are the symptoms different between flu and coronavirus?

Answer

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
Vomiting and diarrhea

Other signs and symptoms of COVID-19, different from flu, may include change in or loss of taste or smell.

Question 3

What precautions can I take to avoid COVID-19 and the flu?

Answer

The best way you can prevent the flu is by getting the flu vaccine. While there is currently no vaccine for COVID-19, you can take measures to protect yourself from getting it. Additionally, you should:

Avoid people who are sick
Cover your cough
Wash your hands often and use hand sanitizer
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
Wear a mask in public places
Keep six feet of distance between yourself and others

While there is currently no vaccine for COVID-19, you can take measures to protect yourself from getting it. To avoid contracting COVID-19, follow the same rules for preventing the flu – in addition to wearing a mask, and keeping six feet of distance between yourself and others.

Question 4

Is it possible to have the flu and COVID-19 at the same time?

Answer

Yes, it is possible to test positive for flu and COVID-19 at the same time. CDC believes it’s likely that flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will both be spreading this fall/winter. This means getting a flu vaccine will be more important than ever.

Question 5

Will a flu shot prevent me from getting COVID-19?

Is the flu immunization safe?

What are possible side effects from the flu vaccines?

Where can I get a flu vaccine?

What are the benefits of getting the flu vaccine?

What are the risks of not getting vaccinated?

What steps does the hospital take to guard against flu outbreaks?

Answer

No, because COVID-19 and the flu are caused by different viruses, the flu shot will only protect you from the flu.

Answer

Flu vaccines are very safe. All vaccines are tested for safety. Since the flu shots contain inactivated (killed) virus, it is impossible to get the virus from the vaccine. The CDC and FDA continue to monitor the safety of vaccines after they are approved. If a problem is found with a vaccine, CDC and FDA will inform health officials, health care providers, and the public.

Answer

Most people who get the flu vaccine have no side effects at all. The most common side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. These include:

Sore, red, or swollen arm from the shot
Hoarseness
Sore, red or itchy eyes
Cough
Fever
Aches
Headache
Itching
Fatigue

Also, since the flu shot takes about two weeks to confer immunity, you may still be susceptible to flu in that brief time window after vaccination.

Answer

Flu vaccines are offered in many doctor’s offices, clinics, health departments, pharmacies and college health centers, as well as by many employers, and even in some schools.

Even if you don’t have a regular doctor or nurse, you can get a flu vaccine somewhere else, like a health department, pharmacy, urgent care clinic, and often your school, college health center, or workplace.

Answer

According to the CDC, the flu vaccine has many benefits, including:

Preventing you from getting sick with the flu.
Reducing hospitalizations for people with chronic lung disease and diabetes.
Reducing severity of illness in people who get vaccinated but still get sick.
Reducing pregnant women’s risk of being hospitalized with the flu.

Answer

If you don’t get the flu vaccine, you could be at higher risk for flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as flu-related hospitalizations and death. Additionally, if you do not get vaccinated, you risk spreading the flu to others, including people who are more likely to experience serious illness from the flu. You can protect yourself and others by getting the flu shot.

Answer

We are vaccinating all employees – both health care workers with patient contact and employees that do not have patient contact.
We are asking that employees who are sick stay home.
Currently we are screening all visitors for respiratory symptoms, and if someone has symptoms, they are not allowed to visit. All asymptomatic visitors must wear a mask.
We offer flu vaccination to all patients.
All staff, faculty, students, and volunteers must wear a mask, unless they are alone in a room or while socially distanced eating.

Flu Vaccine

CDC Vaccine Finder

Here’s what you need to know to keep yourself and your family safe and healthy.

COVID-19 vs. Influenza (flu)