COVID-19 and the Flu

What You Need to Know

If you get sick in the coming months, how will you know if it's the flu, COVID-19 or a less serious virus like a cold? COVID-19 variants continue to circulate across the country, and flu season begins in the fall. As a result, doctors urge people who are eligible to get both flu and COVID-19 vaccines.

Is It a COVID-19 Variant, the Flu or a Cold?

Different forms of the COVID-19 virus (called "variants") may increase your risk of becoming infected or transmitting the virus to others. Some infections are mild, but the virus can cause major health problems, leading to hospitalization and death.

Signs of infection with newer variants are slightly different from the original COVID-19 symptoms. Last year, COVID-19 looked a lot like the flu. Now the milder COVID-19 cases can look similar to a common cold or seasonal allergies.

It’s important to remember that with every illness not everyone gets all the symptoms. Review our chart detailing the symptoms of these respiratory illnesses. You can also check the CDC website for a complete list of COVID-19 and flu symptoms.

If you haven’t yet been vaccinated against COVID-19, it’s not too late. The vaccines work. According to CDC data, more than 99.99% of fully vaccinated people have not had a breakthrough case of COVID-19 that resulted in hospitalization or death.

Getting Your Flu Shot: When and How

With COVID-19 still circulating, it’s vitally important to get your flu vaccine. It can offer protection against this year’s flu strains and help keep you out of the hospital. The CDC recommends everyone age 6 months and older be vaccinated against the flu every year, with few exceptions

The typical flu season starts in fall and lasts until March or April. It can take about two weeks after vaccination to be fully protected. To ensure protection lasts the full season, you should plan to get your flu vaccine in September or October. You can still get vaccinated later, even into winter. And there’s no harm in getting the COVID-19 vaccine and the flu shot at the same time.

You can get a flu shot at a Sutter Walk-In Care, a routine doctor visit, a local pharmacy or at a flu shot clinic in your area. Schedule your flu shot at Sutter.

To learn more about flu and getting your flu shot, view our Flu Resources and watch this flu vaccine video, featuring Dr. Silvers.