With COVID-19 still a public health emergency, it’s more important than ever that you get your annual flu shot. While the flu vaccine won’t prevent you from getting COVID-19, it will help reduce your chance of getting the flu or weaken its severity should you contract it. Successfully avoiding the flu when COVID-19 is still spreading will help ensure that our health system is able to withstand the challenges we are facing.

Is it the flu or COVID-19?

Many flu symptoms are the same as COVID-19 symptoms, including:

  • Body aches
  • Cough
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Loss of taste or smell
  • Nasal congestion
  • Runny nose
  • Sore throat

If you or a loved one has ever had the flu, you know how awful it can be. Fever, chills, body aches, cough, headaches and more — it can knock you out for days, if not longer. It can take weeks for you to feel better and get back to a normal routine. On the other hand, getting the flu shot takes only a few seconds, and can help protect you and your loved ones during the flu season.

When should I get a flu shot?

The flu season usually starts in October, peaks between December and February, and begins to wind down in May. It’s important to get vaccinated as soon as the flu shot becomes available, but no later than the end of October. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get a flu shot.

Where can I get a flu shot?

Your flu shot is covered as part of preventive care. That means no cost to you when you stay in-network. Find a pharmacy near you that offers no-cost flu shots. Or, call your doctor.

Keep you and your family safe this flu season and get your flu shot before flu season starts.

Sources: Masslive.com; CNN.com, MedicalNewsToday.com, Vaccinateyourfamily.org