How Can I Avoid Getting COVID-19 and the Flu at the Same Time?

Did you know? It’s actually possible to get sick with both COVID-19 and the flu at the same time. This would be devastating for your respiratory and immune health, but getting both vaccines would offer great protection from getting sick this winter!

Our AFC Urgent Care Southcenter team highlights the importance of getting vaccinated and some additional ways you can stay healthy below, so keep reading.

Is It Safe to Get the COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines at the Same Time?

Yes, it is! There is no restriction on vaccine co-administration. Online, the CDC says, “Experience with other vaccines has shown that the way our bodies develop protection, known as an immune response, after getting vaccinated and possible side effects of vaccines are generally the same when given alone or with other vaccines.”

Since the most commonCOVID-19 vaccines are mRNA vaccines and the flu vaccine isn’t, the two vaccines won’t counteract each other or cause harmful effects. The only things you might experience when getting both vaccines at the same time are what we’ve listed below.

Common Vaccine Side Effects

  • Pain, redness or swelling on the arm vaccinated
  • Tiredness
  • Headache
  • Muscle pain
  • Chills
  • Fever
  • Nausea

Even If I Already Had COVID-19, Should I Still Get the Vaccine?

Yes. Research shows that those who have had the vaccine are much better protected than those who have had the virus in the past. Additionally, immunity after getting the virus only lasts for around six months.

Not only is getting vaccinated important for your own personal health, but it lowers your risk of transmitting the virus to others. In addition to getting your vaccine, we’ve listed some other ways you can stay healthy as winter approaches.

Ways to Stay Healthy This Winter

  • Wear a mask in public.
  • Frequently wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.
  • If you don’t have access to soap and water, use alcohol-rich hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as much as possible.
  • Cover your mouth with a tissue or elbow when you sneeze or cough.

Want to schedule your flu vaccine? Don’t hesitate to visit our website to make an appointment!