Protect yourself against COVID-19 and the flu this fall

As the crisp air moves in and daylight gets shorter, we face another sign of fall: the flu.

This year, the flu is likely to pose a challenge as we’re already facing the COVID-19 pandemic and the flu has similar symptoms.

Get your flu shot now

Because it takes about 2 weeks for the body to build up antibodies after receiving the flu shot, the CDC recommends getting vaccinated early in the fall, before the flu season begins.

If you’re an established patient at Vivacity Care Center, you can call and make a nurse appointment for your shot. The flu shot is covered with no out-of-pocket cost to you on most health plans. Vaccine production was increased this year, so there should be enough doses for everyone who wants it.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, make sure to make an appointment or call ahead no matter where you get your shot this year.

It's that important

Every year, millions of people get the flu, hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalized, and thousands (or tens of thousands) of people die from flu-related causes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Reducing risk of flu could help keep emergency rooms clear for people with COVID-19.

Because there are different strains of the flu, the flu shot is not 100 percent effective and you might still get sick. But studies show that the flu shot can reduce severity of the flu if you do get it. You cannot get the flu from the flu shot.

Unfortunately, the flu shot will not protect you against COVID-19.

Slow the spread

Measures that will slow the spread of COVID-19 will also slow the spread of influenza, so keep physically distancing, washing hands, and wearing a mask when in public spaces.

Both viruses can be spread before a person shows symptoms. People remain contagious with the flu for about a week. People with COVID-19 can remain contagious for 10 days or longer. Both are spread from person-to-person contact and through droplets in the air.

The flu and COVID-19 have symptoms in common, such as fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, sore throat, runny nose, muscle pain, and headache. COVID-19 often comes with loss of or change in senses of taste and smell.

If you are uncertain or believe you are having COVID-19 symptoms, call your clinic’s main number to speak to a nurse.

Learn more about how to protect yourself at CDC.gov.

Schedule your flu shot today.

Same- or next-day appointments are available.

Make an appointment

About Kourtney Howell, ARNP

Kourtney Howell is a nurse practitioner at Vivacity Care Center. Her care philosophy is centered around the idea of treating patients as if they were her own family. When not taking care of others, Kourtney loves spending time with her family and cheering on the Texas Tech football and basketball teams.