COVID-19 and the Flu Vaccine

The #flu and #COVID19 are both contagious, respiratory illnesses, but there are differences. They are caused by different viruses and while many symptoms are shared, change or loss of taste or smell is only a symptom of the #coronavirus. https://go.usa.gov/xGj4u

#COVID19 and the #flu have many similar symptoms so telling them apart may be difficult. If you have symptoms like fever or difficulty breathing, contact the MHS Nurse Advice Line to begin the screening process.

• While the #flu vaccine won’t protect you from #COVID19, it will protect you from the flu which can help reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization, or even death. #GetVaccinated https://go.usa.gov/xGjgC
• Reducing the overall burden of respiratory illness during the #flu season is especially important to protect our most vulnerable populations who are at risk for serious illness from the flu or #COVID19. #GetVaccinated https://go.usa.gov/xGjgC
• According to the @CDC/@CDCgov, the #flu vaccine should not be given to people with suspected or confirmed cases of #COVID19. Wait until after the isolation period is over or until you’ve fully recovered before receiving the flu vaccine. https://go.usa.gov/xGjgC
• There is no evidence that the #flu vaccine can increase your risk for #COVID19. Getting a flu vaccine this fall is important, not only to reduce your risk from flu, but also to help conserve potentially scarce health care resources. #GetVaccinated https://go.usa.gov/xGjgC
• If you have a higher risk for #COVID19 infection, you may also be at a higher risk for #flu complications. It’s especially important for you to get a flu vaccine this year. Visit www.tricare.mil/flu for details about your coverage and how to get it.
• The #flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older. This year, we’re taking every opportunity to ensure essential workers, people at an increased risk for #COVID19 illness and those who have an increased risk for flu complications #getvaccinated. https://go.usa.gov/xGWMM.

The face masks you’re wearing to prevent #COVID19 may also help prevent the spread of the #flu. According to the @CDC/@CDCgov, anyone suspected of having the #flu in a healthcare setting should wear a mask at all times, until they can be isolated. https://go.usa.gov/xGWth

Use of face coverings is not typically recommended for people with the #flu who are asymptomatic. But those who have #flu symptoms like coughing or fever should stay home or use a mask if you must be in close contact with other people. https://go.usa.gov/xGWth

• For the 2021-22 flu season, the flu vaccination will be very important. It can help reduce the overall impact of respiratory illnesses on the population and lessen the burden on the health care system during the COVID-19 pandemic. 
• Receiving the flu vaccine will not protect against COVID-19; however the flu vaccination has been shown to reduce the risk of illness, hospitalization and death from the flu.
• While it's not possible to say with certainty what will happen later in the fall and winter, CDC believes it's likely that flu viruses and the COVID-19 virus will both be active. It is possible to have flu, or other respiratory illnesses, and COVID-19 at the same time. 
• Flu vaccination should be postponed for people with suspected or confirmed cases COVID-19, regardless of whether they have symptoms, until they have meet the criteria to end their isolation. 
• Mild illness is not a contraindication to flu vaccination, vaccination visits for these people should be postponed to avoid exposing healthcare personnel and other patients to the virus that causes COVID-19.