The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older – every year.

September, October and November are the best times to get vaccinated.

However, as long as the flu viruses are still in the community, you can still be protected.

Flu and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses.

Some of the  symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, and they can both result in serious illness. And it is possible to get the flu and COVID-19 at the same time.

Testing will be likely to determine your symptoms are caused by the flu or COVID-19.

No. However, flu vaccines reduce your risk of flu illness, hospitalization and death.

In addition, because both the flu and COVID-19 are respiratory illnesses, getting your flu shot can help reduce the overall impact of respiratory illnesses on the entire community.

A flu vaccine may also provide several individual health benefits, including keeping you from getting sick with flu, reducing the severity of your illness if you do get flu and reducing your risk of a flu-associated hospitalization.

Yes –  healthcare providers are working hard to make getting flu vaccines safe for you and your family this year including increased disinfection, social distancing, and wearing face coverings.

If you have any of the following symptoms, call your primary care provider. They can help you determine if it is the flu or COVID-19.

• fever or feeling feverish/chills
• cough
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• muscle or body aches
• headaches
• fatigue (tiredness)
• some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.