If you’ve ever had the flu, you know you never want it again. Days in bed, body aches and other pains = something you could live without!

Getting a flu shot each year is the best way to prevent getting the flu. It’s especially important this year. Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Indian Trail offers some insight.

Is Flu More of a Threat This Year?

Not really. This year’s flu season will likely be relatively normal, meaning that millions of Americans will be affected. Since 2010, the flu has caused between 9.3 million and 49 million illnesses each year.

What is different this year is that the flu season, which lasts from November through March or April, will intersect with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. That presents a duo of potential viral infections for patients and a potentially large amount of patients needing medical care or even hospitalization.

Flu Symptoms

• Fever
• Chills
• Cough
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Body aches
• Fatigue

How Is the Flu Different Than COVID-19?

While they are both viral illnesses, they come from different viruses altogether. COVID-19 is a form of the coronavirus, while the flu comes from the influenza virus.

The two illnesses have many symptoms in common, but it takes longer for symptoms to develop if you have COVID-19. If you have the flu, on the other hand, you’ll likely get sick within one to four days after exposure to someone who is sick.

How to Prevent Illness

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time.
• If you don’t have access to soap and water, use hand sanitizer with an alcohol content of at least 60%.
• Disinfect commonly touched surfaces often.
• Get the flu shot by the end of October.
• Wear a mask as directed to prevent COVID-19, which also lowers your risk of the flu.
• Steer clear of anyone who may be sick.

AFC Urgent Care Indian Trail is your one-stop-shop for your flu vaccination needs! Stop by or schedule an appointment at your convenience.