Flu Season & COVID-19

In years past, the flu season generally lasts from October to March with peak months being December and February. With the novel Coronavirus, we are still unsure what to expect during a flu season in a pandemic. What would having the flu and COVID-19 look like? With all these questions looming in the air, we’ve turned to HopkinsMedicine.org to help us out.

• The flu and COVID-19 are nearly indistinguishable. During this season it is important to take a test to check to see which one you may have.

• Symptoms can include fever, cough, congestion, sneezing, sore throat, runny nose, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. That’s a lot of symptoms for one illness! However, in these times it is especially important to play it safe and stay at home. Research a local COVID-19 testing center near you and if you are diagnosed quarantine for at least 2-weeks before getting tested again. If you don’t have it, simply stay home for as long as it takes for the symptoms to clear up.

• Something important to note is that you can have COVID-19 and the flu at the same time which could lead to more severe symptoms. Time can only tell what this flu season will be like so if your doctor recommends it, be sure to get your flu shot!

Ultimately, the most important thing to do in this present moment is to play it safe. We know that it has become monotonous spending time in the home for months on end but staying home and going out could genuinely be the difference between life and death for some; especially for the elderly. Socially distanced outdoor activities seem to be the best way to catch up with loved ones. If you’re looking for some fun yet safe things to do in the fall, check out a recent post from the Opal Stork blog: Festivities for the Fall.