From Yale-New Haven Health: One Thing You Can Control in 2020

Are you hearing and reading about the importance of getting your flu shot more than ever this year? Well, there are very compelling reasons why.

Helping to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses is essential for protecting one another and our community from vaccine-preventable diseases, including the flu. Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, caused by different viruses. While flu vaccines will not prevent COVID-19, they will help reduce the burden of flu illnesses and hospitalizations, which is even more important as COVID cases in the U.S. are on the rise.

How can you know when sneezing or fever are signs of the common cold or something more serious, such as the flu or COVID-19? Check out our symptom comparison chart for guidance. The chart lists symptoms associated with allergies, cold, influenza and COVID-19.

Always call your doctor when you aren’t sure or your symptoms get worse. Yale New Haven Health’s COVID-19 Call Center is available seven days a week at 833-ASK-YNHH (833-275-9644).