HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The CDC says influenza (flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. So can one easily identify the symptoms of cold, COVID, or flu based on their symptoms? ADPH District Medical Officer Dr. Wes Stubblefield breaks down the differences in symptoms or if there are any.
"Sore throat, cough congestion, runny nose, body aches, potentially fever." Sounds like cold symptoms, or maybe flu symptoms... or could it be COVID? "The symptoms are very much the same," explained Dr. Stubblefield. However, for most respiratory viruses,"...there are not tests that are available, but with COVID 19 and flu, there are tests that are available as well as RSV. So you can test yourself for for flu or for COVID in your home if you can find the test or the in a physician's office or a provider's office."
Furthermore, for some wondering just if the flu shot is the right choice for you Dr. Stubblefield explains more. "So the flu vaccine is focused on four strains of the flu, and as long as the strains of the flu that are in the flu vaccine match up to what is in circulation, then they can have protection against illness at all, but also against more serious illness, much like the COVID 19 vaccine."
For others wondering when it is the right time to get your flu shot, "the flu shots usually recommended sometime around September or October." Which gives you protection through the traditional season. "Which usually peaks in Alabama in midwinter, sort of December, January."
Also, most importantly, who's eligible for the flu shot? "So the flu vaccine is available. it's being shipped out, and people can go and get that at the same time as their COVID 19 vaccine, and again, it's recommended or is available for anyone six months and up with the highest priority being on younger children and older adults and those with underlying medical conditions," Dr. Stubblefield continued.