Hey there, friends! If you’ve found yourself coughing in public lately, you’ve probably felt those judging looks. I mean, who can blame them in this pandemic era? It’s tough to figure out whether you’re dealing with a seasonal cold or something a bit more serious. Both COVID-19 and the flu are contagious respiratory illnesses, but they come from different viruses.
I’ll admit, I’ve been that person in the grocery store who can’t help but raise an eyebrow when someone coughs. Like everyone else, I’ve been on edge about catching COVID-19 or having a loved one get sick. To ease my worries, I finally got the flu shot — the first time in six years! Why? Because I know that it works, even if I dread getting it.
Now, we’ve got a lot more info about the flu since it’s been around since 1918, and it infected over 35 million people in 2019 alone. Back then, the flu was no joke; it claimed lives across all age groups, from young children to seniors.
Symptoms of the Flu and COVID-19
So, what are the symptoms of the flu? They’re pretty straightforward: runny or stuffy nose, cough, fever, body aches, and fatigue. On the flip side, COVID-19 symptoms include muscle aches, fatigue, fever, difficulty breathing, and chills. You can check out Johns Hopkins Medicine for a complete list of COVID symptoms and FAQs.
How Both Viruses Spread
Now, let’s talk about how both viruses spread. According to the CDC, flu can be spread through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and it can travel up to about 6 feet. You can also catch it from touching surfaces contaminated with the virus. The most contagious period for the flu is the first 3 to 4 days after symptoms start.
COVID-19, however, can be transmitted for a longer time. The CDC mentions that it spreads through droplets and tiny particles expelled by an infected person, which can land on others or surfaces. If you’re within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19, you’re at higher risk.
How to Tell the Difference
So, how do you tell if you’ve got the flu or COVID-19? Their symptoms can be so similar that it’s hard to know without a test. A key difference is that loss of smell (anosmia) or taste (ageusia) is common with COVID-19 but rare with the flu. But remember, these symptoms might not show up right away with COVID-19, so getting tested is essential. For more information on testing, check this link out.
Both the flu and COVID-19 can spread quickly — a single unmasked sneeze or cough can infect someone else. Plus, you can be contagious with COVID-19 even if you don’t show symptoms right away. And yes, it is possible to have both the flu and COVID simultaneously!
The Importance of Vaccination
The takeaway? Vaccination is your best bet for both the flu and COVID-19. They are proven effective in keeping you and those around you healthy. Don’t forget about the kids, too! Dr. Sarah Thompson, a health expert, says in a news release that it’s safe to get both vaccines at the same time. “Getting vaccinated for both viruses is the best way to protect yourself from these serious illnesses,” she adds. If you’ve had the COVID vaccine and are curious about boosters, check the CDC’s booster info page.
Oh, and don’t forget to wear your mask!
Family Planning Resources
For those of you looking into family planning, you might want to check out the Make a Mom website, which offers at-home insemination options, including the reusable kits, as well as a free sperm donor matching group on Facebook. If you’re interested in how it works, this link explains the process beautifully. For more insights on fertility, Medical News Today is an excellent resource. And if you’re curious about more home insemination tips, take a look at this blog post.
In summary, knowing the difference between the flu and COVID-19 can be tricky since they share many symptoms. Being proactive with vaccinations and understanding how to protect yourself and others is crucial.
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