Unfortunately, yes, it is. Even though both illnesses affect the respiratory system, they’re caused by totally different viruses, which means you can get sick with both at the same time.

Our AFC Urgent Care Clemson team further elaborates on these two viruses and what you can do to protect yourself below, so keep reading!

How Is It Possible to Get COVID-19 and the Flu at the Same Time?

The flu and COVID-19 are caused by different viruses, as COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the flu is caused by the influenza virus. It’s possible for the body to have two viruses at once.

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. We’ve listed some additional reasons to consider getting vaccinated this winter below.

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 two most prevalent COVID-19 vaccines don’t contain any of the virus, though, due to being an mRNA vaccine.
When you get sick with a virus, it endangers those around you.

Are There Ways to Avoid Getting a Virus This Winter?

There are! While most prevention tactics aren’t totally foolproof, there are ways you can lower your risk of getting a virus like COVID-19 and the flu.

The most effective way to stay safe this winter is by getting vaccinated, like we said earlier. The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine has been fully approved by the FDA, which should provide extra incentive to get vaccinated against the coronavirus, and the flu vaccine has been around for decades and is proven to be effective. 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.