We certainly hope this doesn’t happen to you, but it’s possible, unfortunately.

Due to required social distancing last year, the threat of getting the flu and COVID-19 at the same time was much less than it is this year. Getting both illnesses is entirely possible, and it could be detrimental to your immune system if it were to happen.

Our AFC Urgent Care Indian Trail team further elaborates below.

How Is It Possible to Get COVID-19 and the Flu at the Same Time?

Both illnesses are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2, while the flu is caused by the influenza virus. Individually, these viruses can result in serious illness, hospitalizations and even death. Having both viruses at once, though, could increase the chance of more serious outcomes, including pneumonia and respiratory failure.

While there’s no way to know just how bad this flu season will be, there’s one thing we know for sure: Taking precautions is the best way to protect your health. We’ve listed some ways you can stay safe during flu season below.

How to Stay Safe and Healthy During Flu Season

• Get vaccinated. Getting the flu vaccine is one of the best things you can do to protect yourself from the virus.
• Wash your hands often with warm, soapy water for 20 seconds.
• Use hand sanitizer when handwashing isn’t an option.
• Continue wearing a face mask in public.
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, and mouth until you’ve washed your hands.
• Avoid crowds and close contact with those who are sick.

How Can I Tell the Difference Between COVID-19 and the Flu?

Because both illnesses cause similar symptoms, the best way to tell the difference between the two is by getting tested. It’s also important to get tested for COVID-19 before getting a flu test, since COVID-19 is still the more uncontrolled and more contagious virus of the two.

If you don’t have access to a COVID-19 test, however, experts say that some of the tell-tale signs of COVID-19 are a loss of taste or smell and shortness of breath. We’ve listed some additional coronavirus symptoms to be on the lookout for below.

More Symptoms of COVID-19

• Cough
• Body aches
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever or chills
• Headaches

Do you have further questions about the flu and COVID-19? If so, don’t hesitate to reach out to our AFC Urgent Care Indian Trail team today.