Is It Flu, COVID, or Both?  

Before the pandemic, it was pretty easy to write off a sore throat and a runny nose as the flu or a common cold. Because the symptoms of flu and Covid-19 are so similar, it can be hard to tell which one you are sick with. Flu and Covid-19 can look similar, but there are a few key differences. If you are experiencing symptoms, be sure to follow all Covid-19 safety measures and talk to your doctor. 

Flu vs. COVID-19 Signs and Symptoms

Fever, chills, headache, runny nose, cough, body pain, GI issues, sore throat, trouble breathing, and loss of taste or smell can appear with the flu and Covid-19. Loss of taste and smell is more common with Covid-19 than influenza. Flu patients tend to start experiencing symptoms between one to four days after infection, while Covid patients may not experience symptoms until fourteen days later. The average time for the onset of symptoms in Covid patients is five days. Flu can last between two and five days, while Covid can last almost two weeks and leave patients with residual symptoms that last for months. 

How is the Flu Treated?

Tamiflu and Xoflu are used to reduce flu symptoms and prevent flu symptoms after close contact with a person who has the flu. The dosages for these medications are different for prevention and treatment, so be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions closely. The use of Tamiflu or Xoflu as a preventative treatment can be especially helpful for high-risk groups like pregnant women, seniors, and people who are chronically ill or who have a BMI over 40. Both Tamiflu and Xoflu are approved by the CDC for the treatment of the flu. These medications are not a substitute for the flu vaccine. Getting your flu shot is the best way to prevent getting and spreading the flu.

Can I Get Flu and COVID at the Same Time? 

It is entirely possible to have the flu and Covid-19 at the same time, and there is even a test that diagnoses them together. While it is possible to have both illnesses, health officials are still performing studies to determine how common this is. Covid-19 is more contagious than flu and can be spread two days before and ten days after you start showing symptoms. Even if you think it’s just the flu, it’s important to take the necessary steps to prevent spreading your illness if you start experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above.

Get Vaccinated Today at Atracare

Atracare is your premier partner in health. We are working hard to keep members of the Lewes community safe by providing flu and Covid-19 vaccines and testing. We can also prescribe flu medications if you have the flu or have been exposed. Did you know you can get your flu and Covid-19 vaccinations on the same day? Schedule a vaccination appointment by using our text-to-schedule feature or booking on our website.