The less careful you are, the more likely it becomes.

While getting COVID-19 and the flu at the same time is a scary thought, there are things you can do every day to lower your chances of this happening.

Our AFC Urgent Care South Charlotte team elaborates on why you can get these two viruses at the same time and what you can do to protect yourself below, so keep reading!

Why Can You Get COVID-19 and the Flu at the Same Time?

The flu and COVID-19 are caused by different viruses. So, even though they’re both respiratory illnesses, it’s possible to get them at the same time due to the fact that COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the flu is caused by the influenza virus.

To protect yourself from these viruses, your best bet is to get both the COVID-19 and the flu vaccine. You don’t have to get them both at the same time, but you can, according to the CDC. The vaccines won’t counteract each other and won’t cause serious side effects.

Reasons to Get Vaccinated This Winter

• Vaccine-preventable viruses are still here. The viruses and bacteria that cause illness and death still exist and can be passed on to those who are not protected by vaccines.
• Vaccines are safe. The U.S. has a robust approval process to ensure that all licensed vaccines are safe. Potential side effects associated with vaccines are uncommon and much less severe than the diseases they prevent.
• Vaccines will not cause the diseases they are designed to prevent. Vaccines contain either killed or weakened viruses, making it impossible to get the disease from the vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine doesn’t contain any of the virus, though, due to it being an mRNA vaccine.
• When you get sick with a virus, it endangers those around you.

How Can I Make Sure to Avoid COVID-19 and the Flu This Winter?

Like we said earlier, getting vaccinated against both viruses is the best thing you can do. The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine has been fully approved by the FDA, which should provide extra incentive to get vaccinated.

We’ve listed some additional ways to prevent one of these respiratory illnesses below.

How to Prevent Flu and COVID-19 This Winter

• Wash your hands thoroughly and often.
• Wear a mask in public spaces.
• Stay at home and away from others when you are sick to prevent catching and transmitting illness and potential virus.
• Wash your hands thoroughly and often.
• Avoid touching your nose, face or mouth in public unless your hands are clean.

When you feel under the weather, our AFC team is here for you! Don’t hesitate to stop by or reach out today.