It’s very difficult to tell the difference between COVID-19 and the flu. Prepare for the flu season by getting a flu vaccine. Then, if you’re sick, stay home and call your medical provider for advice. Hopefully, you already have gotten your flu shot. If not, get it as soon as possible at your doctor’s office, major grocery stores, or local pharmacies for a small or fee or free if on Medicare or Medicaid.
COVID-19 testing sites in Colorado
The symptoms of the flu and the common cold overlap. Both generally feature runny noses, coughing, headaches, and sore throat. The flu can come on very suddenly according to UCHealth. People who have the flu also often have a temperature of 100.4 Fahrenheit or higher, along with persistent muscle aches. Neither fevers nor persistent body aches are typical of the common cold.
UCHealth recommends that all people six months of age and older should get vaccinated for the flu. There are only rare exceptions to be discussed with your doctor. It is particularly important for people ages 65 and older to get a flu vaccine.
COVID-19 already has sickened more than 8.3 million people in the U.S. and killed more than 220,000 as of late October. “If you’re sick, stay home,” said Dr. Michelle Barron, one of the leading infectious disease experts in Colorado at UCHealth. “All of us are used to downplaying illnesses and going on with our lives when we’re coughing, sniffling, or feeling exhausted. Use common sense and get tested!” Both the flu and COVID-19 can cause symptoms like fever, chest pain, coughing, and difficulty breathing, among others.
When in doubt, call your medical provider and get a test for COVID-19. There are over 80 COVID-19 testing sites in Colorado. You can find them online at www.211colorado.org or call your doctor’s office. If you are sick with any kind of symptoms, to the greatest extent possible, stay home, stay hydrated, and quarantine. Article courtesy of UCHealth.