For months, Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike has been reminding people regularly to get flu shots, and during National Influenza Vaccination Week, Dec. 6-10, she is making another plea.

“This year it is more important than ever to get your flu shot to help avoid being co-infected with flu and COVID-19,” Ezike said. “Not only could being infected with both a flu virus and the virus that causes COVID-19 result in severe health complications for individuals, it also places a tremendous burden on our health care system and health care workers who are being stretched due to the increase in COVID-19 cases. If you have not already received your flu shot, get it as soon as possible to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community.”

Vaccination is particularly important for people who are most vulnerable to developing serious flu complications, including people with certain chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease. In fact, during the last flu season, nine out of 10 adults hospitalized for flu had at least one reported underlying medical condition, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In addition to going #SleeveUP to get your flu vaccine, IDPH recommends following the three Ws for both COVID-19 and influenza.

• Wash your hands
• Watch your distance
• Wear your mask

Viruses spread when infected people cough, sneeze or talk. Flu usually comes on suddenly. Many of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are the same, such as fever and cough, but there are some differences.  

If you have symptoms of either flu or COVID-19, self-isolate and contact a health care provider.  They can talk with you about testing and other measures you should be taking.

Below is a list of symptoms for flu and COVID-19. 

SYMPTOMS | FLU | COVID-19
Symptom onset | 2 days | 2-14 days
Body Aches | Common | Common
Cough | Common | Common
Diarrhea | Sometimes | Sometimes
Fatigue/weakness | Common | Common
Fever/chills/shaking | Common | Common
Loss of taste or smell | Rare | Sometimes
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing | Common | Common
Stuffy nose | Common | Common
Sneezing | Sometimes | Rare
Sore throat | Common | Common
Headache | Common | Common

Influenza antiviral drugs can be a second line of defense for people who get sick with the flu. Many studies have found that in addition to lessening the duration and severity of symptoms, antiviral drugs can prevent flu complications. 

To find a location to get a flu shot in your community, check with your health care provider or local health department. You can also use the online Vaccine Finder.  More information about influenza can be found on the IDPH website at www.dph.illinois.gov.  More information about COVID-19 can be found at www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19, including where you can get tested.