It's Respiratory Season.
Avoid the Triple Threat: Influenza, COVID-19, and RSV
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The key to stopping the spread is to prevent it.
Getting your annual flu vaccine helps reduce your risk of contracting influenza and its severity.
With rare exceptions, everyone six months and older should get an influenza vaccination every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the best time to get a flu shot is from September to October. Ideally, everyone should be vaccinated by the end of October.
Influenza vs. COVID-19 vs. RSV
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the symptoms of influenza, COVID-19, RSV, and other respiratory illnesses can be similar. The differences between these illnesses cannot be identified based on symptoms alone. Medical evaluation is essential to determine which illness you have, confirm a diagnosis if you have flu or COVID-19, and determine if you meet the criteria for antiviral therapy. There is no specific treatment for RSV other than steps to relieve symptoms and help your body fight the infection.
Influenza Symptoms
Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly and people who have flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:
- Fever* or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.
COVID-19 Symptoms
COVID-19 symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure (based on the incubation period of MERS-CoV viruses):
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- New loss of taste or smell
- fatigue (tiredness)
If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately by dialing 9-1-1. Emergency warning signs include*:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion or inability to arouse
- Bluish lips or face
*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.
RSV Symptoms
RSV symptoms most commonly appear about 4-6 days after exposure to the virus:
- Low grade fever
- Nasal congestion or runny nose
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Wheezing
Frequently Asked Questions about Flu vs. COVID vs. RSV
How will I know if I have flu, COVID-19, or RSV?
You can’t tell the difference between flu, COVID-19, and RSV based on symptoms alone. Testing is necessary to confirm which illness you have. Doctors Care offers flu and COVID-19 testing. We do not vaccinate or test for RSV, but preventive measures can help reduce the risk of infection.
Click here for more on COVID-19 testing at Doctors Care.
Will a flu vaccine protect me against COVID-19 or RSV?
Flu vaccines are designed to protect against influenza, not COVID-19 or RSV. Getting a flu vaccine reduces your risk of flu-related illness, hospitalization, and death but does not protect against COVID-19 or RSV. For protection against COVID-19, getting a COVID-19 vaccine is recommended. We do not vaccinate or test for RSV, but preventive measures can help reduce the risk of infection.
Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is the best protection against COVID-19 and will not affect ones eligibility for getting a flu vaccine.
Click here for more on COVID-19 testing at Doctors Care.
Should I still get a flu vaccine if COVID-19 and RSV are spreading in my community?
Yes. A flu vaccine is crucial every year to protect your and your family’s health. Even with the prevalence of COVID-19 and RSV, the flu vaccine remains fundamental to your defense against respiratory illnesses. Walk in or book online at any Doctors Care location.
If I get sick with the flu, am I at higher risk of contracting COVID-19 or RSV?
While flu and COVID-19 are different viruses, it is possible to be infected with both simultaneously. Although there is no clear evidence that flu infection increases your risk of contracting COVID-19 or RSV, vaccinating against flu and COVID-19 can reduce the risk of severe illness from these viruses.
Click here for more on COVID-19 testing at Doctors Care.
Can I get a flu vaccine and a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time?
Yes. Flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines can be administered at the same time.
For COVID-19 vaccinations, register through the Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS) provided by the CDC. Simply walk into any Doctors Care location or book online for flu vaccinations.
Does Doctors Care offer testing and care for RSV?
We treat patients with RSV. We do not vaccinate or test for RSV, but preventive measures can help reduce the risk of infection. While there is no specific treatment for RSV, you can take steps to relieve symptoms and help your body fight the disease. If you suspect you have RSV, visit one of our clinics for expert care and guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Flu Vaccine
What kind of influenza vaccination do you provide?
Doctors Care provides trivalent flu vaccines designed to protect against the strains of flu viruses most likely circulating this season.
Do I need to be concerned if I have an egg allergy?
The flu vaccine provided by Doctors Care is not made in chicken eggs, meaning it can be administered to most people who have allergies.
Protect yourself against the triple threat by staying up to date with your vaccinations and seeking prompt care at Doctors Care.
High Risk Patients*
As a reminder, people at greater risk of severe disease or complications when infected are:
*Please make your healthcare provider aware if you qualify as a high-risk patient, or if you are the guardian of a patient who is high-risk.
