The flu and COVID-19 have similar symptoms, but COVID-19 spreads more easily and symptoms tend to be more severe. If you have symptoms, a health care provider can determine the cause of your illness and help you take steps to feel better.Ī cold is often milder than the flu. The common cold, flu, and COVID-19 are respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses. If you or someone you know is sick with the flu, take steps to help prevent spreading the disease Is it the flu, a cold, or COVID-19? Young children and people with weakened immune systems may be able to spread the flu for even longer. Typically, people with the flu can spread it a day before, and up to a week after feeling sick. It's possible to spread the flu before you feel sick and when you have symptoms. Although it isn't as common, the flu can also spread from surfaces - for example, if you touch something the virus is on and then touch your nose, mouth, or eyes. It mostly spreads through droplets in the air when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk. The flu is contagious, which means it spreads from person to person. Learn more about the benefits of flu vaccination. For example, it has been linked to lower rates of heart problems (cardiac events) among people with heart disease and fewer hospitalizations among people who have chronic lung disease or diabetes. Flu vaccination is especially helpful for people with chronic health conditions. The good news is the flu vaccine reduces your risk of getting the flu and of getting seriously ill if you do get sick with the flu. A second reason is that older adults are also more likely to have other health conditions, like diabetes, that increase their risk for complications from the flu. For example, because your body is busy fighting off the flu, you might pick up a secondary infection such as pneumonia. One reason is that the immune system - which helps your body fight infections - weakens as you age. The flu is more dangerous for older adults for a few reasons. Why is the flu more dangerous for older adults? Learn more about people at increased risk for flu and its complications. Flu vaccination is especially important for people in these higher-risk groups. Pregnant people and children younger than five years old are also more likely to get very sick from the flu. Live in a nursing home or other long-term care facility.Have heart disease or have had a stroke.Have certain medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease.You are more at risk for flu and its complications if you: Complications can be mild, such as a sinus or ear infection, or more serious, like pneumonia.Īnyone can get sick from the flu, but some people are more likely to have complications. Some people develop other health issues, called complications, because of the flu. However, the flu can make you seriously ill. Most people who get the flu feel better after a few days to two weeks. The vaccine is safe, effective, and available for little to no cost to you. Getting a flu vaccine every year can help prevent the flu. But for others, including older adults and those with chronic (long-lasting) health conditions, the flu can be very serious and even life-threatening. Flu is a respiratory illness caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs.įlu is a mild illness for some people. Each year, millions of people suffer from seasonal influenza, which is often called the flu.
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