Covid-19 and the flu are this season’s double health threats. Take great care to protect your health.
Flu and Covid-19 symptoms are almost the same. Not all people who may have Covid-19 have symptoms, though.
Covid-19 and the flu are this season’s double health threats. Take great care to protect your health.
We could be looking at a tough flu season right alongside rising Covid-19 cases, NGH internal medicine physician, John Murray warns. Dr. Murray is one of many doctors across the state and around the country who are expressing concern (and alarm) as they see Covid-19 numbers going in the wrong direction (up) and flu season fast approaching. “It is a reality that we could face a bad flu season while we are still dealing with Covid-19,” Dr. Murray says. He worries that the number of sick patients could overwhelm the health care system if we are not careful.
Heading into the holidays and winter, continue to wear face masks in public, practice social distancing and wash your hands frequently to help reduce your chance of getting either virus, including the common cold. “I would also strongly urge everyone to get a flu shot for extra protection,” says Dr. Murray. “The best time to get a flu shot is during the months of October and November to protect through the season. Get it by Thanksgiving, if you can.”
Flu and Covid-19 symptoms are almost the same. Not all people who may have Covid-19 have symptoms, though.
The only way to know if you have the flu or Covid-19 is by getting a test that will reveal a positive or negative result. The list of symptoms for both are just about the same, but they are both serious viruses that can sicken and kill a lot of people.
According to Dr. Murray, even the loss of taste and smell reported as a primary marker in Covid-19 cases can happen in some flu and common cold cases. Our doctor-generated symptom checker can help you learn how severe your symptoms are, if you need to visit your health care provider, and steps you can take at home to get relief.
There is still so much about Covid-19 that is still not known. “We are still learning and working to unlock the mysteries of the virus,” says Dr. Murray. “In the meantime, wear your mask, wash your hands and social distance.” Get the latest news and updates here.
