Double Up Your Protection
Why you should get both your flu and COVID-19 vaccines this season
As we greet the holiday season, we must also prepare for the return of an unwelcome visitor. Flu season is here. While influenza (flu) viruses can spread year-round, activity typically peaks between December and February.
Cases of the flu were unusually low last year, especially here in Washington. Hospitals saw fewer visits for suspected flu illness, and very few positive cases were reported. That’s partially because a lot of people got their flu vaccines. But it was also because we were under strict COVID-19 safety precautions, and people had less contact with each other.
Some COVID-19 restrictions have since lifted, which is expected to bring an increase in flu cases (more like a traditional flu season).
With COVID-19 still here, and flu picking up, how can we prepare to tackle two viruses at once? Read on for our tips for doubling up your protection this season.
How do I know if it’s flu or COVID-19?
The only way to know if it’s COVID-19 or if it’s the flu is to get tested. Testing is especially important because treatment and recovery plans can vary between the two viruses. You can’t tell which virus you have by symptoms alone. COVID-19 tests are available at clinics and pharmacies, and there are even at-home tests available now. Flu testing, on the other hand, is only done at hospitals and clinics once you are already sick. If you’re feeling ill and your COVID-19 test comes back negative, talk to your provider about getting tested for flu.
Both COVID-19 and flu can have varying degrees of signs and symptoms, ranging from no symptoms (asymptomatic) to severe symptoms. Some symptoms may be more common with one illness; for instance, losing your sense of smell/taste can happen with COVID-19, but is rarer with the flu. But for most people, there’s a lot of crossover — cough, fever, and aches are common signs for both.
You can read more about the distinctions between the two viruses.
Can you be infected by both at the same time?
It is possible to have the flu and COVID-19 at the same time. Health experts are still studying how common this can be. It’s even possible to become re-infected in the same year from both viruses.
The good news is that we now have vaccines available to protect against both. So if you’re fully vaccinated with both the COVID-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine, your odds of having both illnesses at the same time (or at all!) are lower.
Can I take the same precautions for both?
The absolute best way to protect yourself against both viruses is by getting vaccinated against each. They are two distinct vaccines, intended to protect against two distinct illnesses. The COVID-19 vaccine will only protect you against COVID-19, and the flu vaccine will only protect you against flu.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the flu vaccine for everyone six months and older, including people who are pregnant and nursing. The vaccine is updated each year to protect against the flu strains expected to be most common. That’s why it’s important to get a new flu vaccine every year.
Meanwhile, the COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for everyone over the age of 5.
- Anyone 5 years and older should get vaccinated with both the COVID-19 and flu vaccines.
- Children aged six months and older should get a new flu vaccine each year.
- Babies younger than six months cannot get the flu vaccine and children under 5 cannot get the COVID-19 vaccine. So, everyone around unvaccinated children and babies should get both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines to help keep them protected.
You can help reduce the spread of both viruses by staying home when you’re sick, limiting gatherings, washing hands, and wearing masks– especially around higher-risk family members and those too young to be vaccinated for either illness.
Is it too late to get my flu vaccine?
Not at all! But don’t delay it. It takes up to two weeks for the vaccine to start working in your body, so it’s smart to get one before holiday gatherings.
Next year, plan on getting your flu vaccine in October for the greatest protection during the full flu season.
Can I get my flu vaccine at the same time as my COVID-19 vaccine or booster?
You sure can! The CDC and other medical experts say you can safely get your flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine at the same appointment or in the same timeframe (like a few days apart). That applies if you’re getting your first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, your second dose, or a booster shot.
According to the CDC, “possible side effects are generally similar whether vaccines are given alone or with other vaccines.” If you’re nervous about missing work or other responsibilities, it may be a good idea to get them both at the same time.
Talk to your provider about scheduling both vaccinations at once and any questions you may have.
To learn more about the vaccines and where to get them, read our recent blog on the flu vaccine, visit CovidVaccineWA.org, or talk to your health care provider.
More information
This blog is accurate as of the date of posting. Information changes rapidly, so check the state’s COVID-19 website for the most up-to-date info at coronavirus.wa.gov. You can also sign up to be notified whenever we post new articles.
The COVID-19 vaccine is now available to everyone 5 and older. For more information about the vaccine, visit CovidVaccineWA.org and use the vaccine locator tool to find an appointment. The COVID-19 vaccine is provided at no cost to you.
WA Notify can alert you if you’ve been near another user who tested positive for COVID-19. Add WA Notify to your phone today: WANotify.org
Answers to your questions or concerns about COVID-19 in Washington State may be found at our website. You can also contact the Department of Health call center at 1–800–525–0127 and press # from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday — Sunday and observed state holidays. Language assistance is available.
